University of Vermont

College Sustainability Report Card 2008

President Fogel has signed the Presidents Climate Commitment. There is an active environmental council and the sustainability staff members include a full-time environmental coordinator and a green building coordinator. In June 2007, the president and provost convened the deans, senior leaders, and state officials in a two-day strategy session with Rocky Mountain Institute about creating sustainable enterprise in Vermont.

The energy management office’s program won the 2006 Vermont Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence and the environmental council has been tracking carbon emissions since 2002. Eco-Reps based in each residence hall promote environmental literacy.

The university, which is a member of Farm to College and the Vermont Fresh Network, purchases 30 percent of its food from Vermont-based producers, including syrup, chicken, cheese, and other foods. Approximately 5.2 tons of pre- and postconsumer waste is composted each week at a nearby farm that provides local produce to the university. UVM diverts about 35 percent of its waste stream from the landfill and recently won the Outstanding College or University Award given by the National Recycling Coalition. In addition, dining services employs a sustainability intern.

The president has signed a policy that requires all new buildings and major renovations to be LEED Silver-certified, and to aspire to LEED Gold. The new student center, which was recently opened, is expected to achieve LEED Silver certification and a new 800-bed residence hall has been awarded LEED Gold. There are several other projects underway that will also strive for LEED certification.

The university’s shuttles have all run on biodiesel since 2002, and six of ten buses have been replaced to run on clean natural gas. Many incentives to use public transportation are provided, including the use of local buses for free and free parking at shuttle stops. The 2006 Campus Master Plan declares the intention to become a “model for environmental sustainability,” and prescribes a pedestrian-friendly campus with less land used for parking.

Endowment holdings and proxy voting records are made available to the public as per open records laws. Voting records are accessible in the investment office, while a list of endowment holdings is sent to individuals upon request.

The university aims to optimize investment return and is currently exploring investing in community funds.

osed of two staff, faculty, alumni, students, and trustees, plus one administrator, that makes recommendations to the Budget, Finance, and Investment Committee of the board of trustees. The committee’s recommendations have always been accepted by the board.