Reed College

College Sustainability Report Card 2008

Reed College faculty and the board of trustees approved an environmental policy statement for the college in 2006, highlighting the school’s commitment to environmental stewardship. There are no full-time positions devoted entirely to sustainability, but the facilities department works on sustainability initiatives in coordination with residence life and the environmental health and safety departments.

A study of carbon emissions on campus was conducted by a student, who subsequently recommended that the college purchase carbon credits. Reed invests in energy-efficient appliances and is researching solar options. To date, however, there is no record of renewable energy purchases.

The college contracts with Bon Appétit food service, whose philosophy emphasizes sustainability, using organic products, and harvesting products from local farmers. Food is sourced locally from eight to ten farms. Fair-trade coffee, organic local produce, and cage-free eggs are offered. Dining services uses reusable dishware in its operations. To-go containers are compostable, and the college composts approximately 135 tons per year.

The college is constructing four new residence halls, to be completed in 2008, that will be LEED-certified. The campus facilities master plan incorporates guidelines for sustainability, including the use of LEED criteria and other green building standards.

Biodiesel is used in grounds tractors, and other maintenance and grounds vehicles are primarily electric. Reed subsidizes bus passes for faculty, students, and staff, and provides bike racks throughout campus.

Information regarding investment holdings and proxy voting records is made available to all members of the campus community through the investment office.

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

The college does not typically vote proxies unless an investment will be impacted directly.