Rutgers University–New Brunswick

College Sustainability Report Card 2009

Rutgers is a signatory of the Talloires Declaration. An extensive policy states that the school will purchase environmentally and socially responsible products, including paper with a minimum 30 percent recycled content and bio-based cleaning supplies. The University Committee for Sustainability, comprised of students, faculty, and staff, has completed its first annual report.

Rutgers aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The university tracks its greenhouse gas emissions and is using this data to develop a plan to achieve this goal. A facilities energy conservation program reinvests utility rebates into conservation projects. By spring 2009, a solar energy facility will be installed on the Livingston campus that will provide 10 percent of the electrical demand.

Dining services buys from a tri-county co-op representing 60 to 70 local farms. For Jersey Fresh promotional meals, dining services uses produce from its own organic farm, and has started a farmers market for meats and breads. All food waste is picked up by a farmer and incorporated into pig feed. Rutgers has a successful recycling program, with a diversion rate around 60 percent.

All new buildings at Rutgers must meet LEED Silver standards at a minimum. Rutgers mandates that construction materials such as concrete, soil, and carpeting be recycled. Lighting retrofits and variable frequency drives have been installed. The EcoComplex building, though not LEED-certified, was built with environmentally friendly design features.

Many student groups actively support environmental initiatives on campus. The Rutgers University Environmental Council serves as a networking group, providing students, faculty, staff, and administrators with the opportunity to work together on projects. Heylar House is the School of Environmental and Biological Science's living and learning community.

Rutgers University trucks run on biodiesel and the campus fleet includes natural gas-fueled vehicles. The campus is serviced by a shuttle bus, and students receive a 25 percent discount on monthly public transit passes. Ride- and car-sharing programs are available. The New Brunswick campus has a bike library that recycles bikes and there are bike paths on campus.

The university has no known policy of disclosure of endowment holdings or its shareholder voting record.

The university aims to optimize investment return and has not made any public statements about investigating or investing in renewable energy funds or community development loan funds.

The university has not made any public statements about active ownership or a proxy voting policy.