Agnes Scott College

College Sustainability Report Card 2008

President Kiss has signed the Presidents Climate Commitment and the college is appointing a part-time director of sustainability. The college’s new strategic plan includes the goal of “making Agnes Scott an environmentally sustainable community.” A sustainability committee and external advisory group will be appointed by November 2007 to oversee sustainability efforts. The Scottie Green Team is an active on-campus advisory group that has proposed many ambitious environmental initiatives for the upcoming school year, including a green purchasing policy. The orientation for the class of 2011 had a green theme.

The college is currently conducting an energy audit of all of its buildings and will complete a greenhouse gas inventory by the fall of 2008. Environmental residents promote sustainability in the residence halls. By fall 2009, the college will develop a plan and set a target date for becoming climate neutral. A carbon footprint educational campaign and an energy conservation competition have been proposed by the Green Team.

Dining halls serve fair-trade coffee and a limited amount of local and organic foods. There is a discount for purchasing beverages with a reusable mug. Last year the college expanded its recycling program to become much more comprehensive, although dining services still does not have a recycling program. For major events, such as orientation and graduation, recyclable cups are being used instead of bottled water. A waste stream audit, composting, and more recycling program upgrades are forthcoming.

The college’s strategic plan calls for a commitment to green construction and renovation; however, no buildings have obtained certification yet. Two buildings on campus have some green building features. The college is exploring funding opportunities to support green features on an upcoming renovation project.

This year the college joined the Clean Air Campaign to promote alternate forms of transportation. Public transportation use is strongly encouraged through a discount program, and was used by first-year students throughout this year’s orientation. A carpool incentive program has been in place for three years. A bike-sharing program will be revived for the upcoming school year. Public safety officers sometimes use an electric golf cart, and a FlexCar is available at a discounted rate to the campus community.

The college has no current policy of disclosure of endowment holdings and does not currently engage in shareholder voting.

The college aims to optimize investment return and its Investment Committee will begin investigating socially responsible and sustainable investment options, including renewable energy funds, this year.

The college does not currently engage in shareholder voting.