University of Arizona

College Sustainability Report Card 2008

In 2003, the University of Arizona adopted a campus comprehensive plan for its physical development that emphasizes sustainability principles. More recently, President Shelton signed the Presidents Climate Commitment. A paid student intern helps coordinate the overall campus sustainability program, in collaboration with the coordinator of sustainability education and a campus sustainability administrator. There is a plan to implement a core sustainability committee fall 2007.

Energy-efficiency initiatives include the installation of motion sensor lighting, as well as higher efficiency lightbulbs. UA has made preliminary renewable energy investments in the form of solar panels on the Visitor’s Center and a recently completed photovoltaic system feasibility study for a parking garage.

The University of Arizona offers fair-trade coffee, cage-free eggs, and small amounts of organic produce. The university sells organic products in its convenience stores and purchases dairy from nearby Phoenix. The university holds a weekly farmers market to encourage purchasing of organic produce from local farmers.

The new McClelland Park and the new Recreation Center are intended to be LEED-certified. LEED-accredited staff are employed by UA. Three new residence halls, now in construction, will be LEED Silver-certified. Furnishings include furniture made from North American hardwoods and certified from renewable forests. Green building elements include waterless urinals in several buildings and solar panels on the Visitor Center.

The facilities management fleet runs on E85 ethanol fuel and also includes hybrid electric vehicles. Campus shuttles run on biodiesel. Students and employees who carpool can register for reduced-price parking permits and have access to preferred parking. Members of the university community may obtain a discounted bus pass for the city of Tucson’s transit service. UA offers high-security bicycle parking spaces and bike lanes throughout campus, but does not have a bike rental program.

The university provides an annual report to its endowment holders, which includes a list of all managers used/funds owned. This list is updated and made available to internal users each month.

The university aims to optimize investment return and is currently invested in renewable energy investment funds or similar investment vehicles.

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