Santa Clara University

College Sustainability Report Card 2009

President Locatelli signed the Presidents Climate Commitment. The university has begun implementing a comprehensive policy on sustainability, which includes purchasing green cleaning and office supplies. A full-time sustainability coordinator has completed a sustainability assessment, and the Energy Awareness Task Force implements energy conservation initiatives.

Santa Clara has committed to reducing its carbon emissions to 20 percent below 1997 levels by 2010. The university purchases 11,256 megawatt-hours of wind energy, and new solar panels will generate 89 megawatt-hours of electricity per year. Despite significant growth in building area, the university has experienced relatively little growth in energy consumption since 2000.

When in season, 70 to 80 percent of produce comes from local farms and a local dairy. Fair trade coffee, cage-free eggs, organic produce, and hormone-free meats are available. Dining services encourages patrons to dine in on reusable dishware and provides to-go biodegradable containers, utensils, and plates, as well as a discount for bringing a reusable cup. The school has a comprehensive recycling program and composts landscaping waste.

All new projects and renovations are expected to meet LEED standards. Several new buildings were designed with energy efficiency in mind. The new Commons has a green roof. Ninety percent of construction waste is recycled, and low-emissions carpeting and paint, as well as recyclable furniture and carpet tiles, are used. Older buildings have been retrofitted with lighting sensors, compact fluorescent bulbs, new boilers, and HVAC systems.

Students have numerous ways to become involved with sustainability on campus. They may choose to live in a sustainability-themed residence, attend Sustainability Day, or participate in the Green Club's efforts to collect carpets and books for recycling. Undergraduates may work as sustainability interns or recycling coordinators.

Santa Clara has 30 electric golf carts and a few hybrid cars. The university offers a 25 percent discount for public transit passes, and encourages carpooling with free parking passes. The campus is designed to be pedestrian- and bike-friendly. There is a cycling club for faculty and staff who ride to work.

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

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

The university provides its investment managers with guidelines that determine its proxy votes.