Drew University

College Sustainability Report Card 2008

An environmental committee discusses sustainable practices, with an emphasis on new construction and renovations, as well as community awareness and education. A Center for the Environment, where sustainable practices can be explored, has been planned. The school purchases 30 percent recycled paper, recycled plastic picnic tables and benches, and is developing their use of green cleaning supplies.

Occupancy sensors and energy-efficient lighting sources have been installed across campus. Double-pane windows reduce heat loss by about 20 percent.

Dining services recently began a contract with Sodexho, which lists sustainability as one of its four priorities for dining at Drew. Through the contract, Sodexho has committed to purchasing produce from local farmers and offering fair-trade, shade-grown, and organic brands. Drew has competed in RecycleMania for the last three years, and the university’s waste diversion rate averaged approximately 45 percent over that period.

The Seminary Hall was built following LEED Basic certification guidelines, but did not apply for certification due to the costs associated with documentation. A new residence hall will be constructed using green design, including a geothermal field, and is intended to be LEED certified. Components of green building design will be incorporated into future renovations and construction projects when possible.

In 2004, Drew began replacing its fleet with electric utility carts. To date, seven carts have been purchased and more will be purchased as gas-powered vehicles are retired. Hybrid cars are available for rent to students through Zipcar. There is a bus stop in front of the university and the town’s train station is within walking distance.

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