Furman University

College Sustainability Report Card 2009

President Shi signed the Presidents Climate Commitment (PCC). The university employs numerous sustainability staff including a director of sustainability, a sustainability coordinator, and an environmental liaison. The Sustainability Planning Group is charged with developing plans and policies to enable the university to meet the goals of the PCC and to develop a long-term master plan for sustainability.

Buildings at Furman have been tied into a central control system that meters water, gas, and electricity. The university purchases renewable energy credits, and students have the option to purchase them as well. Solar panels are located on numerous structures around campus, including the physical activities center and the Duke Energy Learning Village.

Furman purchases from 20 local farms and offers fair trade coffee and a variety of organic items. A new organic garden will supply food to the dining hall. Biodegradable dishware is available at all locations. Students receive a beverage discount with a reusable cup, and the consumption of bottled beverages has been reduced. Preconsumer waste, kitchen scraps, and salad bar waste are composted for use in the organic garden.

All new construction and substantial renovations must meet LEED Silver standards, at a minimum. Herman Hipp Hall and Duke Library are LEED Gold-certified. Six buildings are currently registered for LEED certification, including Cliffs Cottage, the carbon-neutral home of Furman's sustainability center, which is pursuing a LEED Platinum rating.

The Environmental Action Group, which has been active for 20 years, is involved in initiatives that address energy conservation and clean energy. There is also an organic gardening club.

The campus operates over 30 electric vehicles. A biodiesel facility makes fuel for the lawn machines. A shuttle bus provides students access to locations off campus. Preferential parking is provided for employees who carpool, and incentives are being put in place to further increase bicycle use.

The university makes a list of endowment holdings and its proxy voting record available to trustees, senior administrators, and other select members of the school community. This information is available at the investment office.

The university aims to optimize investment return and is exploring, but not currently invested in, renewable energy funds. The board has made plans to update its investment policy with a statement reflecting FU's consideration of investment opportunities that reflect the university's commitment to renewable energy and sustainability.

The university asks that its investment managers handle the details of proxy voting.