Rhodes College

College Sustainability Report Card 2009

President Troutt signed the Presidents Climate Commitment. A campus-wide policy requires departments to purchase Energy Star products. The Environmental Planning Committee, comprised of students, faculty, and staff, has worked to institutionalize sustainability.

Many environmental audits have been completed over the past few years. Dorm room lights have been replaced with compact fluorescent bulbs and the college has pursued an energy management system to monitor and efficiently operate the electrical system. Occupancy sensors control lighting in classrooms and bathrooms, and HVAC systems are turned off on weekends and holidays.

Local and organic produce is purchased when available, and seafood is purchased from environmentally responsible fisheries. Dining services has been exploring alternatives to Styrofoam and beverages are discounted when purchased with reusable mugs. Rhodes has a comprehensive recycling program.

While the college did not pursue LEED certification for its new library, the design followed many LEED requirements, including low-VOC paints and carpets, natural stone and slate roofing, sunlight-sensitive controls that maximize natural light, and the minimization of exterior lighting around the building. Computer monitoring ensures efficient HVAC and lighting performance.

A Rhodes student associate oversees the recycling program, aided by two work-study students and a full-time student environmental coordinator. The Environmental Residents Program raises awareness of environmental issues and encourages environmental responsibility. Students are introduced to the recycling program during orientation.

The Rhodes College Bike Program lends bikes to students for two weeks at a time at no charge. Maintenance vehicles have been converted from gas to electric, and the master plan sets a goal for Rhodes to be a pedestrian-friendly campus.

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 is exploring, but not currently invested in, renewable energy funds or similar investment vehicles.

The college does not have the ability to vote proxies, as the entire endowment is invested in mutual funds.