Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

College Sustainability Report Card 2008

Virginia Tech has adopted a water and energy policy, which outlines procedures for operations that are consistent with the institute’s energy goals. In addition, the Committee for Energy and Sustainability acts in an advisory capacity to the administration and is composed of students, faculty, and staff. Virginia Tech recently created a sustainability coordinator position.

Virginia Tech plans to work with the town of Blacksburg in support of the Cool Cities Initiative, a town-wide commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The installation of occupancy sensors, commissioning of HVAC systems, and lighting retrofits on campus have increased energy efficiency. Much of Virginia Tech’s climate change efforts have been focused on campus transportation, not renewable energy purchases.

Virginia Tech’s diversion rate was approximately 22 percent in 2006. The dining services department does not offer any notable amount of local or organic foods.

According to policy, all new projects in 2008 and beyond will be designed to LEED Silver-level standards. Decisions to apply for LEED certification are made on a case-by-case basis. If a project fails to meet certification criteria, as many green design standards are incorporated as possible. Virginia Tech registered its first LEED project in 2007.

Virginia Tech’s alternative transportation program is supported by a full-time manager who serves to encourage members of the campus community to bike, walk, or use public transit. Faculty, staff, and students can use public transit fare-free by showing their university ID card, in addition to other incentives for use of alternative modes of transportation. Virginia Tech has received over $400,000 in federal enhancement grants to build bike trails, bike lanes, and provide other bicycling amenities on campus. The Institute plans to convert 20 vehicles in the campus fleet to biodiesel fuel in 2007.

Virginia Tech and the Virginia Tech Foundation have no known policy of disclosure of endowment holdings or shareholder voting records. Therefore, there is no known ability to access this information.

Virginia Tech and the Virginia Tech Foundation aim to optimize investment return and have not made any public statements about investigating or investing in renewable energy funds or community development loan funds.

Virginia Tech and the Virginia Tech Foundation have not made any public statements about active ownership or a proxy voting policy.