Rockefeller University

College Sustainability Report Card 2008

The Rockefeller University has a green task force that identifies areas for improvement in conservation of resources and sustainability, and acts as an advisory group to the administration. The university is developing an environmental management system that will work to improve the environmental compliance and stewardship program. Additionally, the university reuses packing materials, purchases recycled and green products, and takes innovative measures to conserve water.

A central boiler and chiller plant maximize efficiency of operation and individual building meters monitor electricity use. Lighting upgrades will reduce lighting loads by almost 50 percent and the installation of occupancy sensors around campus will further decrease energy use. The university re-burns exhaust gas to reduce emissions and anticipates a 770 ton annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. A building management system optimizes air changes, temperature, and operating times for best efficiency, and the university implements night and holiday setbacks to reduce energy use during low occupancy periods.

During peak season, 50 percent of produce purchased from distributors comes from farms within 150 miles of New York City. The university is evaluating composting options, including partnering with other institutions in a composting program, and is exploring options for donation of excess prepared foods. The dining service employs reusable dishware and cutlery, eco-friendly, non-bleached napkins, biodegradable to-go containers, and eco-friendly cleaning products, and is developing plans for the elimination of Styrofoam food containers.

All construction and renovation project designs incorporate strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, and promoting integrated whole-building design practices. The university’s Collaborative Research Center, currently under construction, is registered for LEED certification.

The Rockefeller University is a 15-acre pedestrian campus, located in Manhattan. Over 90 percent of personnel commute to work via public transportation, bicycle, or on foot. For the few individuals who commute by personal vehicles, the university encourages carpooling and offers reduced parking rates for hybrid vehicles.

The proxy voting record and information about endowment holdings is only made available to trustees and senior administrators upon request.

The university aims to optimize investment return and also invests with a number of external managers with initiatives in green and/or clean energy technology.

The university provides its investment managers with guidelines that determine its proxy votes.