Georgetown University

College Sustainability Report Card 2009

Georgetown employs a director of sustainability initiatives, manager of waste and recycling, director of utilities and energy management programs, energy management engineer, utility analyst, five system engineers, and two engineers in advanced vehicle development. A comprehensive sustainability policy is under development. The Energy and Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee was formed in 2007 and includes senior administrators, faculty, staff, and undergraduate and graduate students.

The university uses a thermal storage tank and its most efficient chillers during periods of peak demand in order to reduce energy use. A 300-kilowatt photovoltaic array installed on an academic building generates solar power. The university holds an inter-dorm energy conservation competition. Georgetown continues to develop a carbon emissions inventory to serve as the basis for further environmental planning and reduction in greenhouse gases.

Georgetown purchases from a local dairy and a vendor that sources local and organic products. In the fall of 2008, a new dining hall station will feature sustainable products. The dining halls offer only reusable dishware. Georgetown improved their rate of recycling from 12 percent in August 2007 to 37 percent in June 2008.

Georgetown has established a university standard for new construction and major renovations to achieve a minimum of LEED Silver certification and to incorporate Energy Star requirements. Standards include installation of motion sensors, energy management controls, and low-flow plumbing. Construction will begin soon on a new science center that will aim for LEED Silver certification.

The student group EcoAction offers green audits of Georgetown offices and organizations to make suggestions on improving sustainability. The university will hold a residence hall energy competition in 2009.

Georgetown provides free shuttle service between major subway stations and the campus to promote the use of public transportation. Employees who carpool may park on campus free of charge. Bike racks are located throughout the campus.

The university makes a list of endowment holdings and its shareholder voting record available only to trustees and senior administrators.

The university aims to optimize investment return and is currently invested in renewable energy funds.

A committee of administrators and/or trustees deliberates and makes decisions on proxy votes.