Louisiana State University

College Sustainability Report Card 2008

Louisiana State University maintains an energy policy specifying design and construction guidelines that target conservation. The purchasing department buys Energy Star appliances, green cleaning products, and recycled paper.

LSU has been awarded the Association of Energy Engineers Project of the Year Award for the Gas Turbine Driven Chiller Project, and received the EPA and DOE Combined Heating and Power Award in its initial year. The university has received over $5 million in federal and state grants for energy audits and the implementation of energy conservation measures. There is a campus-wide building automation system to monitor and efficiently control energy production and consumption, among many other efforts to promote energy efficiency.

Dining halls serve local, hormone-free milk. This year, dining services began using reusable dishware instead of disposable containers for summer camps. The university recycles paper, plastic, and aluminum at an 8 percent diversion rate. The Baton Rouge Recycling Foundation donated 800 green recycle bins, which were distributed to campus dorm rooms.

The university does not have a green building policy or any plans to pursue LEED certification. However, building systems with more efficient insulation have been installed. All new construction requires a tree preservation plan to insure minimal damage to existing trees and green spaces on campus.

LSU has recently increased the use of electric vehicles and high-efficiency carts for transportation. At least one university vehicle will begin using biodiesel soon. LSU Recreation has established a bicycle rental program to encourage bicycle use, and is implementing “Easy Streets,” which will facilitate easier bicycle transportation in and around campus.

Endowment holdings are made available as per open records laws and are on the university’s website.

The university aims to optimize investment return and does not invest in renewable energy funds or community development loan funds.

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