Wake Forest University

College Sustainability Report Card 2008

Wake Forest University is embarking on a comprehensive campus master planning process. A new assistant vice president for facilities management has extensive experience in sustainability issues. New initiatives and policies are expected to emerge in the coming year as a result of the president’s recommendation that departments focus more intently on issues of sustainability.

Facilities management works toward the more efficient functioning of campus utilities. Examples of energy efficiency measures include re-lamping of approximately 70 percent of buildings with energy-efficient ballasts; installation of variable-speed drive equipment; and installation of building automation systems around campus. The nano-sciences group has been working on new technology for solar cells, which has been licensed as a city start-up venture and could potentially be deployed on campus.

The Student Environmental Action Coalition’s Food Services Committee is working to encourage dining services and Aramark to buy local foods, to phase out food and beverage containers for perishable items, and to establish a food-share program with a local charity. Reusable mugs are now available for purchase in campus dining halls as an effort to reduce waste. The university participates in the Campus Kitchens Project, a community service initiative aimed at turning unused food from college dining halls into nourishing meals for those in need.

Wake Forest has used a number of components that meet LEED standards in renovations and new buildings. The university uses extensive energy analysis to guide system designs and has installed insulated windows and exterior doors, energy-efficient HVAC and lighting equipment, and more.

The residential campus, by nature, encourages pedestrian and bike traffic, and the university provides free shuttle buses for students. The university is embarking on a comprehensive campus master planning process, which will address encouraging foot and bicycle traffic on campus, as well as ways to enhance public transportation access.

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 university aims to optimize investment return and has not made any public statements about investigating or investing in renewable energy funds or community development loan funds.

The university has not made any public statements about active ownership or a proxy voting policy.