Rhode Island School of Design

College Sustainability Report Card 2008

Rhode Island School of Design has developed the unique ARTS (Active commitment, Reduction of pollution, Training, and Stewardship) model of environmental principles from which it will create a sustainability policy. The provost has created and chairs a sustainability committee. There are two student groups devoted to the environment and recycling, and a green initiatives website is under construction.

The school has made a variety of efforts to make the campus more energy efficient by installing motion sensors, compact fluorescent lightbulbs, and variable-speed motors in mechanical systems, among other things. However, no commitment to reduce emissions or purchase renewable energy has been made.

RISD purchases from six to twelve local producers, including items such as dairy, eggs, produce, gelato, cheese, deli meats, and granola. Fair-trade coffee and bananas are offered, as are local, organic fruit and vegetables. To-go containers are biodegradable and discounts or refills are offered for using reusable mugs or cold beverage containers. There is a comprehensive recycling program that includes making recycled items available for students to use in art projects.

A new 43,000-square-foot facility will be LEED-certified. An existing 35,000-square-foot dorm building is under consideration for LEED-EB certification.

The school has purchased two hybrid vehicles for the public safety department, although many officers patrol on bikes. RISD has a plug-in rechargeable electric car in the facilities maintenance department. All employees, staff, and students receive free public transit passes. There is a carpool program for staff and faculty.

Investment holdings and proxy voting records are made available to select members of the campus community. This information is sent to individuals upon request.

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

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