Washington and Lee University

College Sustainability Report Card 2007

Washington & Lee University's Environmental Planning and Management Committee has been working to promote sustainability initiatives on campus. A full-time position for environmental sustainability has been established, and the University's efforts have made it the first institution of higher education to win Virginia's Environmental Enterprise designation.

The University has taken measures to reduce campus energy use. An energy performance contractor was hired to retrofit lights, water devices, boilers, and chillers during the fall of 2006. For most of the year, the University burns natural gas instead of diesel in its boilers, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the University has not yet purchased or installed any renewable energy systems.

The University composts all biodegradable substances, and waste grease is used as biodiesel for the campus motor fleet. While the composting and recycling programs are strong, dining services has not entered into any contracts to supply more local and organic foods in the dining halls.

One of the Environmental Planning and Management Committee's goals for 2006 was to develop a green building policy, integrating LEED certification into the design process.

The University has no known policy of disclosure of endowment holdings or its shareholder voting record.

The University prioritizes investing to maximize profit and has not made any public statements about investigating or investing in renewable energy funds or community development loan funds.

The University has not made any public statements about active ownership or a proxy voting policy.