Earlham College

College Sustainability Report Card 2009

President Bennett signed the Talloires Declaration. The director of facilities oversees energy management, sustainability, and recycling efforts. The Environmental Responsibility Committee coordinates activities, offers recommendations, and serves as the central point of information on campus environmental issues.

Energy-efficient, double-paned windows are installed in all renovation and construction projects, and heat recovery is incorporated into all new HVAC systems. Twenty-nine houses participate in the student-initiated Earlham Energy Awareness Program. The program offers incentives to students for reducing energy use by allowing students to share in subsequent cost savings.

Earlham makes purchases from between 5 and 15 local farms, and offers fair trade coffee and cage-free eggs. Earlham has a comprehensive recycling program, much of which is student-led. The college initiated a food waste composting program in 2002.

The college is committed to meeting LEED standards for new construction, but has not yet sought certification. The college aims to incorporate green building design in renovation projects. In the recent renovation of Olvey-Andis residence hall, Earlham reused and renovated existing masonry. Energy-efficient windows, new carpeting with recycled content, and energy-efficient lighting systems were also installed.

The Earlham Environmental Action Coalition works to further sustainability initiatives. Students may elect to live in the environmental awareness-themed residence or on the college's farm, where they participate in farm activities and maintenance.

At Earlham's request, Richmond transit rerouted a bus route to go through campus. A student-operated bike co-op offers free bike repairs and sells bikes at a low cost to students and faculty members. Bikes have been made available to facilities personnel. Vehicles are restricted to the perimeter of campus. Earlham provides subsidized loans for faculty who purchase residences within a quarter mile of the college. Most students walk or use bicycles to get around campus. Earlham's fleet includes hybrids vehicles.

The college makes its proxy voting records and a list of endowment holdings available to all members of the school community, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni. This information is on a password-protected website.

The college aims to optimize investment return and is currently invested in renewable energy funds. The college is also exploring, but not currently invested in, community development loan funds.

A committee with three students, two faculty members, and three trustees makes recommendations to the proxy subcommittee of the board of trustees on some votes involving social issues.