Berry College

College Sustainability Report Card 2008

President Briggs has signed the Presidents Climate Commitment. Students have formed several environmental organizations and, subsequently, have initiated on-campus recycling efforts and sponsored annual campus clean-up projects. The college has signed an agreement with the Georgia Foundation of Independent Colleges to participate in an environmental compliance peer audit program established by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The college adopted a policy of purchasing Energy Star appliances. Air conditioning equipment must have a SEER rating of 13, which achieves 30 percent greater efficiency than the previous standard of 9.

The college’s dining services department does not offer any notable amount of local or organic foods and has not made public any compost program. However, all tree trimming and landscape removal is ground into mulch for use across campus.

Green building elements include site selection to encourage foot traffic, insulation systems that exceed code requirements, recycled-content products, and energy-efficient glass that minimizes solar heat gain. New facilities have maximized space for direct daylight access.

Several departments use electric golf carts for on-campus travel. Students are highly encouraged to bring bicycles to campus and a campus wide shuttle transports students between residence halls and classroom buildings. A three-mile bike path was developed for travel between campus areas and recreation.

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

The college aims to optimize investment return and has not made any public statements about investigating or investing in renewable energy funds or community development loan funds.

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