Willamette University

College Sustainability Report Card 2008

Willamette University’s commitment to sustainability is characterized by the “Four E’s”: equity, environment, economics, and education. The university’s definition of sustainability extends beyond environmental issues to include social justice, demonstrated by the institution of a living wage standard for every one of its employees. In 2004, the Sustainability Council was formed to oversee sustainability initiatives. A green purchasing policy requires the use of paper products and carpets with recycled content and green cleaning products. President Pelton has signed the Presidents Climate Commitment.

The university has committed to climate neutrality, and a carbon emissions inventory will be conducted in the next year. The university has signed a green power purchasing commitment and installed photovoltaic panels on Kaneko Hall. A 100-kilowatt photovoltaic system will be installed on the new Ford Academic Building. Small-scale hydroelectric generation on the campus stream is also being explored. Energy-efficient installations include motion sensors, high-efficiency lighting, and systems monitoring on most buildings.

Food items such as meat and vegetables are purchased from local, organic farms using socially just labor practices whenever possible. Local food accounts for 35 percent of the food budget and is sourced from 12 local producers, including a dairy. Biodegradable to-go containers are being introduced and all vegetable food waste is composted during the school year. Items are baked and cooked from scratch using ingredients from local mills.

In 2003, the board of trustees endorsed green building guidelines to be used for all new construction and renovations. The Kaneko Residential Commons, will be LEED Gold when commissioned. A second project, the Ford Academic Building, is also pursuing LEED Gold. Double-glazed windows and low-flow plumbing are used in renovations; waterless urinals are being used in a pilot project in two buildings.

Gas-powered work vehicles are being replaced with electric vehicles, and hybrids are used for campus security vehicles. A campus bike shop provides free services to the community. A car-sharing program is open to all students, faculty, and staff. A rideshare webpage connects carpoolers.

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.