Wesleyan University

College Sustainability Report Card 2007

The University is participating with the city of Middletown in Connecticut Clean Energy Options 20 Percent by 2010 Campaign, which aims to have 20 percent of the state's energy needs come from renewable sources by 2010. A student-run Environmental Organizing Network (EON3), the cross-disciplinary Environmental Management Committee, and the associate director of environmental health and safety all work on campus sustainability initiatives, which have included renewable energy purchases and energy conservation efforts. The University has committed to the Campus Climate pledge with a goal to reduce measurable greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2010, to 10 percent below 1990 levels by 2020, and to 75 to 80 percent below current levels in the long term.

Wesleyan has reduced electric consumption by 4.5 percent over the past year, despite the addition of new buildings. The University's athletic center now runs on 100 percent renewable energy, and the University's energy conservation efforts have lowered its emissions to below 1990 levels. For example, natural gas consumed at the power plant has been reduced by 178,744 CCF. The University's initiatives qualified the town of Middletown to be a "Clean Energy Community," and the town was awarded with a larger solar array. Additionally, a new 2,490 kilowatt cogeneration system should be installed within in the next two years.

Some organic foods are served; 33 percent of food products are purchased from within 150 miles; and the student body voted to ban factory egg farms from the campus. The University's dining services has taken part in several measures to reduce packaging and waste, and has developed a composting program for food scraps. Recently a composting subcommittee was formed. Greenware paper products are used in catering and recycled products include napkins in all dining halls. Last year, Wesleyan participated in Recycle Mania and placed in the top 10 colleges in several categories.

One building has been built to LEED standards and certification is pending. The Construction Services team has a goal to recommend that all building follow the LEED design guidelines wherever feasible. Wesleyan purchases recycled and recyclable building materials, uses products with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), separates and recycles most demolition debris, utilizes three electric maintenance vehicles, and uses an energy management system to monitor and manage energy consumption.

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.

Wesleyan invites members of the University community to share their opinions about shareholder questions and will disclose any positions they take on them.