Samford University

College Sustainability Report Card 2009

Samford University's foundational statement lists stewardship of all resources as one of its core values. The purchasing office is planning to incorporate green office supplies into its annual supply fair and will phase in green cleaning products. The new Division of Operations and Planning will deal with environmental stewardship efforts.

The installation of new boiler and chiller systems has increased the energy efficiency of the campus as older boiler systems are decommissioned. The university has worked to retrofit valves across campus, upgrading to electronic units.

Campus dining purchases local produce and meats, and fair trade coffee. Recycled paper is used in the dining room, and daily signage is recycled. Dining is also working to incorporate biodegradable take-out products. Leftover food is donated to a local church. Samford's growing recycling program has placed bins on every floor of every building. Last year, over 100 mattresses were donated to women and children in need.

In its buildings, Samford has addressed sustainability to a small degree with HVAC control and lightbulb retrofits, in addition to motion-sensing lighting. The chilled-water loop has been upgraded, as well.

The residence life department is developing a green checklist for incoming students, encouraging them to bring Energy Star products and compact fluorescent bulbs. Students may become involved in Earth Day and Sustainability Day, as well as the groups Students for Sustainability and Restoring Eden.

Samford plans to ensure that the campus is pedestrian-friendly by moving parking to the periphery and increasing sidewalk access. As part of a relationship with a local commuting program, incentives are provided to those who carpool. Samford hosts a transportation fair during which university affiliates may learn about commuting programs and can be matched with potential carpooling partners.

The university makes neither its proxy voting records nor its list of endowment holdings public. This information is only available to trustees and senior administrators.

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

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