College of the Holy Cross

College Sustainability Report Card 2009

President McFarland signed the Presidents Climate Commitment. The Presidential Task Force on the Environment has been appointed to raise consciousness about environmental issues and coordinate the effort in implementation of the Presidents Climate Commitment requirements. The college employs engineers to work on energy-reduction methods and staff to run the recycling program.

The college has completed energy efficiency projects, including lighting retrofits and installation of an energy-efficient mechanical system in the ice arena, and is in the process of completing its carbon inventory. The college sources over 30 percent of its power from renewable energy sources and is studying the feasibility of installing a wind turbine.

The college buys from 10 to 13 local farms and contracts with a local dairy. Organic produce and fair trade coffee are also used. The college has developed a reusable mug program and is in the process of creating reusable water bottle and bag programs. Additionally, Holy Cross has a comprehensive recycling system and an active composting program for yard waste.

The green building policy at Holy Cross incorporates LEED certification guidelines into new buildings and major renovations. The college is seeking LEED Silver certification for the new science complex, which is being built to strict energy efficiency standards, as well as LEED certification for a recent addition and renovation project.

The Environmental Concerns Organization is a student group dedicated to the promotion of conservation through education and local action, and is working with the Inter-House Council to improve recycling on campus. Eco-Action's “Change a Light, Change the World" campaign helped persuade students to switch to energy-efficient light bulbs.

Holy Cross is a member of the Worcester Consortium of Area Colleges shuttle bus program. Additionally, the college is serviced by local public transit and participates in a car-sharing program. Public safety officials patrol on bicycles and use a battery-operated vehicle. The athletic department uses three battery-powered carts. The college has recently installed gates that limit vehicular access to the interior of the campus and is currently designing further pedestrian-friendly landscaping changes.

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