University at Buffalo–SUNY

College Sustainability Report Card 2009

President Simpson signed the Presidents Climate Commitment. The Environmental Stewardship Committee, consisting of university administrators and key staff, is in the process of developing a climate action plan in close coordination with the campus master plan, which sets a goal to make the university a model of sustainable development. The UB Green office helps implement these projects and promotes environmental responsibility on campus.

A greenhouse gas emissions inventory was completed as part of the UB Green Climate Action Report. The Climate Action Initiative will be creating a long-term plan to reduce emissions on campus. UB uses a 120-kilowatt combined heat and power system to produce energy and to heat its swimming pools. A 73.5-kilowatt photovoltaic array provides six percent of the electricity for Norton Hall.

Kitchen scraps and yard waste are composted on campus. The composting and recycling programs are managed by the facilities department, and the UB Green office implements educational outreach. Student workers and volunteers assist with the collection of compost and recyclables at special events and athletic events. The university recycles approximately 34 percent of campus waste.

In 2004, high-performance building guidelines were developed in response to the governor’s executive order 111 to inform and direct a new construction and renovation design process that prioritizes energy efficiency and guarantees a commitment to high performance and green building principles. UB has committed to LEED Gold standards for all new buildings.

UB Engineers for a Sustainable World works to develop sustainable solutions to campus and community environmental issues. Current projects include encouraging the use of biodiesel in campus fleet vehicles. The UB Environmental Network is currently working on a local foods initiative.

The university has three hybrid vehicles and 58 compressed natural gas vehicles in its fleet. Several vehicles use B20 biodiesel. Bike racks are available on campus and on public transit vehicles, and a program has been established with Buffalo Blue Bicycles, a citywide bike-share program. UB students, faculty, and staff may use a free and local transportation- and carpool-matching service.

Proxy voting records and a list of endowment holdings are available to the public, as per open records laws. Information is available at the SUNY investment office.

SUNY 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.

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