University of Cincinnati

College Sustainability Report Card 2008

President Zimpher has signed the Presidents Climate Commitment. The President’s Advisory Committee on Environmental Sustainability, composed of faculty, staff, and students, drafted a sustainability policy that was approved in 2006. The Office of Campus Planning and Design also has a sustainability work group focused on campus buildings and facilities.

The university has undertaken significant projects in both academic and utility areas to reduce emissions, and has been a Green Lights Partner since 1994. A project to build a 46.8-megawatt combined-cycle plant began in 2001. Residence hall energy challenges promote conservation and responsible behavior.

The university composts yard and grounds waste for use as mulch, and actively recycles in 43 of its campus buildings. The dining services department does not offer any notable amount of local or organic foods.

The university has two LEED-certified buildings and two in the process of certification. All major construction projects are required to meet LEED Silver certification standards, at a minimum. Over $1 million has been saved as a result of lighting and steam trap retrofits and motor upgrades, and a new round of energy-savings projects will save the university an estimated $2 million in utilities.

All members of the school community may use the local bus system at no cost, as well as a shuttle system offered by the university that makes trips throughout campus. Additionally, the university fleet runs on an 85 percent ethanol fuel blend.

The university has no known policy of disclosure of endowment holdings or its shareholder voting record. Therefore, there is no known ability to access this information.

The primary investment objective of the university’s endowment is to produce long-term real growth in assets net of expenses, spending, and inflation. The endowment currently has a significant investment in neighborhood development loans.

The university delegates to its investment advisors the authority to vote shareholder proxies in accordance with the advisor’s best judgment.