Boston College

College Sustainability Report Card 2008

Boston College created a sustainability committee that developed principles to guide the college through its master plan. A utilities manager handles conservation efforts on campus and a sustainability position is under review. The college’s strongest effort toward sustainability comes from its leading position in Project XL, a group of three colleges and universities working to improve laboratory waste management practices. BC is a member of the Campus Consortium for Environmental Excellence, which works on sustainability in higher education. Facilities and residential life have partnered with EcoPledge (student group) to raise awareness of recycling and energy and water conservation.

Conservation efforts on the facilities side include installing speed drives on motors, more efficient air compressors, and retrofitted lighting in both parking garages and two buildings. BConserves, a conservation program that began in 2006, has resulted in a 10 million-kilowatt (15 percent) reduction over the previous year. As of January 1, 2007, the college’s electricity provider generates 59 percent of its portfolio from renewable resources. The college has recently increased its purchase of renewable energy credits threefold from the previous year.

BC is working to develop relationships with local growers, manufacturers, and vendors who promote sustainable agricultural practices. Dining services currently buys farm products through local distributors, as well as hormone-free milk from a local dairy. The recycling program diverts 52 percent of waste from the waste stream.

The college incorporates some LEED features in building design, as was the case with the recently renovated 66 Commonwealth Avenue residence hall. In line with LEED requirements, BC aims to reuse or recycle 85 percent of construction and demolition waste.

BC offers some incentives to encourage carpooling, including preferred parking and a guaranteed ride home. There is a free shuttle to public transportation stops and off-campus neighborhoods. There is easy access to mass transit and the college offers discounted passes. Shower facilities, in addition to bike racks, are provided for bicyclists.

The college has no known policy of disclosure of endowment holdings or its shareholder voting record. Therefore, there is no known ability to access this information.

The college has a longstanding Socially Responsible Investment Policy, but has not made any public statements about investigating or investing in renewable energy funds or community development loan funds.

The college reviews proxy issues and votes all proxies with its investment managers.