Drexel University

College Sustainability Report Card 2008

Drexel University has established a sustainability commitment and efforts are underway to assemble a university-wide committee on environmental sustainability that will have student, faculty, and staff representation. An energy manager, who is a certified sustainable development professional, oversees all energy conservation and integration of new energy technologies.

Drexel has implemented direct digital controls in renovations and new building construction, as well as variable-frequency drives for mechanical equipment. In 2006, Drexel entered into a contract with PECO Wind to purchase wind energy directly linked to the PECO energy grid, supplying Drexel with 1.5 megawatts, or 4.4 million kilowatt-hours per year. This translates into approximately 10 percent of Drexel’s total annual electric use.

Drexel purchases from a local produce supplier as well as a local dairy. Fair-trade coffee is served at all dining locations, as are certain organic items such as cereals and soymilk. University members receive a discount on beverages when purchased with a reusable mug.

The planning, design, and construction department is developing standards for construction that will incorporate green architectural and mechanical systems specifications for all new construction projects. Green building initiatives already implemented include using locally sourced materials, occupancy-sensor lighting controls in academic buildings, and use of recycled and rapidly renewable materials for interior finishes.

Drexel has six hybrid vehicles as part of their fleet. In addition, public safety officials use bikes, as well as battery-powered Chariots and Segways to patrol campus. Facilities management travels throughout campus with battery-powered golf carts. Beginning in the fall of 2007, Drexel will subsidize transit and rail passes for students with a 10 percent discount.

The university discloses a list of its endowment holdings to members of the board of trustees.

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 asks that its investment managers handle the details of proxy voting.