University of Guelph

College Sustainability Report Card 2009

The Energy Conservation Working Group, made up of students, faculty, and staff, works to identify projects and directs student, faculty, staff, alumni, and university funding toward energy upgrades. The physical resources department employs a sustainability coordinator and an energy management technician. Green purchasing criteria have been incorporated into purchasing decisions.

The university conducted a campus-wide energy audit in 2002 and has committed to a 1.5 percent increase in energy efficiency per year. The university has implemented numerous efficiency initiatives, including upgrades to lighting, air conditioning, and building automation systems, and is working with the local utility on a cogeneration project. Extensive water conservation is integrated into the energy upgrades.

Hospitality services created a local sustainability plan that includes local food and fair trade coffee. The university buys from 50 local producers, spending $400,000 annually on these purchases. Chinaware may be removed from the cafeterias and returned at pick-up areas in residence halls. Discounts are given for the use of reusable dishware or to-go containers. Electronic waste is collected from all departments and recycled.

New facilities are built to a standard of 25 percent improved efficiency above the Model National Energy Code for Buildings. All new plumbing fixtures are low-flow and all new lighting fixtures are energy efficient.

Beginning in fall 2008, orientation week will include a green team of volunteers. Students funded the purchase of renewable energy for a cafeteria on campus. Conservation efforts include a residence energy reduction challenge and an energy conservation pledge that students can sign. Two Enviro Rep coordinators work with a team of 30 to 50 Enviro Rep volunteers to promote environmental issues on campus.

The university established a green vehicle policy that puts forth purchasing criteria. Parking and campus police use Smart Cars and bicycles for travel. All students receive a pass for the City of Guelph transit buses, and a central bus hub was recently established at the university center building.

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.