University of Miami

College Sustainability Report Card 2009

President Shalala signed both the Presidents Climate Commitment and the Talloires Declaration. The University of Miami has created a full-time sustainability coordinator position. The university has committed to purchasing Energy Star and Green Seal products. The Green U Task Force, consisting of faculty, staff, and students, aims to expand sustainability initiatives on campus.

The university is expecting to complete a carbon emissions inventory in September 2008. Most campus buildings have been retrofitted with energy-efficient lighting and the university is looking to participate in the LED University program with plans for two proposed pilot LED lighting projects.

The university's food service provider purchases locally grown produce and sustainably produced meats, including antibiotic-free pork, cage-free eggs, and Seafood Watch-approved fish and seafood. The Recycling 'Canes program collects traditional recyclables, as well as electronic parts and batteries.

The university is revising building standards to require all new construction and major renovation projects to follow LEED Silver standards. The biomedical research institute and the clinical research building have been registered for LEED certification.

Students are involved in campus sustainability measures through the Green U Task Force, and student organizations such as Sustainable U and Earth Alert. Student orientation for 2008 will have a mandatory session on sustainability presented by student groups. A portion of the Mahoney Residential College has been designated for students with an interest in sustainable living.

The university has partnered with a commercial car-sharing program. Additionally, parking services offers a 50 percent discount to drivers of hybrid vehicles; discount Metrorail passes are available; and “green parking meters” offer free on-campus parking for hybrid vehicles. University police and telecommunications staff currently use Segway electric scooters to perform duties across campus. UBike is a program that offers affordable bicycles, helmets, and accessories, as well as bike service discounts and on-campus air pump stations.

The university makes information on asset allocation and its shareholder voting record available only to trustees and senior administrators.

The University of Miami is in the early stages of considering a number of investment mandates that may include some renewable energy and sustainable investments. The university is also exploring, but not currently invested in, community development loan funds.

The university provides guidelines that encourage its investment managers to act in a prudent manner when considering socially responsible investment issues.