Mount Holyoke College

College Sustainability Report Card 2009

The environmental stewardship steering committee and working groups include staff, faculty, and students who meet regularly to evaluate campus sustainability priorities. Environmental stewardship is coordinated by the environmental health and safety office in collaboration with other campus partners.

The college has set a target for emissions reduction based on the 2001 Northeast Regional Climate Action Plan. The plan aims to achieve 1990 levels by 2010 and 10 percent below that level by 2020. The college generates 6 to 8 percent of its electricity from a cogeneration steam turbine.

Dining services will use produce grown in the student-run organic garden, Crops for Closer Community. Mount Holyoke recycles over 40 percent of its waste. Shrink wrap is sent back to food vendors for re-use and a bulk condiment dispensing system reduces waste, as well.

The college's environmentally responsible building principles and guidelines promote sustainability in new construction, design, operation, and siting in campus planning. An active program to retrofit lighting and install heat recovery systems is a key element of the college's greenhouse gas reduction strategy. The college currently has two LEED-certified buildings and a residence hall is positioned for LEED Silver certification.

Student leaders and organizations are actively engaged with campus sustainability efforts through membership in the Center for the Environment's student advisory board, the environmental stewardship steering committee and working groups, and the Environmental Action Coalition. Environmental Stewardship employs four ECO-Reps, which coordinate programs. In addition, ECO-liaisons are elected in each residence hall.

Mount Holyoke has three hybrid sedans in its vehicle fleet. Facilities management currently uses a B20 blend in all off-road, diesel-fueled equipment, such as ground maintenance vehicles and electric generators.

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

The college aims to optimize investment return and does not invest in renewable energy funds or community development loan funds.

The college does not have the ability to vote proxies, as the endowment is invested in mutual funds, commingled funds, and private partnerships.