University of Miami

College Sustainability Report Card 2008

President Shalala has signed the Presidents Climate Commitment and the university is also a signatory to the Talloires Declaration. The Green U program collaborates with students, faculty, and staff to make the university more sustainable, and maintains a detailed website. A sustainable task force was formed to implement the initiatives and the purchasing department has added a sustainability clause to all requests for proposals.

A university-wide greenhouse gas inventory and a pilot program for solar lighting have been implemented. Most university buildings have been retrofitted with energy-efficient lighting.

Dining services purchases from 12 to 15 local farmers and producers, including a local dairy. Sustainable seafood, fair-trade coffee, and cage-free eggs are offered. The university is currently developing plans for a Planet U Marketplace, which will emphasize all aspects of sustainability from facility design to product offerings. There is a comprehensive university-wide recycling program, but no composting program.

The university is in the process of modifying the building and facility standards to address sustainability. The new Biomedical Research Institute and the Clinical Research Institute buildings will be LEED certified. Buildings slated for future construction and major renovations are currently being registered for LEED certification or will follow sustainable standards.

The university is currently using the Global Electric Motorcar for on-campus travel. Several employees from various departments use Segways to get around campus. The university recently launched a pilot program to use B20 soy-based biodiesel fuel in half of its shuttle buses. Additionally, parking services offers a 50 percent discount to drivers of hybrid vehicles; discount Metrorail passes are available; and “green parking meters” offer free on-campus parking for hybrid vehicles.

The university discloses endowment holdings and shareholder voting records to trustees, senior administrators, and other select members of the school community upon request.

The university’s investment strategy takes account of opportunities to maximize profit while also pursuing strategies that are socially responsible and beneficial, not only to the local community, but globally, as well. The university is either invested in or exploring renewable energy funds or similar investment vehicles at any given time, as investment managers have the authority to invest in these areas.

The university’s proxy voting, which is conducted by its investment managers, is designed to exercise shareholder responsibilities in terms of encouraging corporations to act in a prudent manner.