University of Nevada–Las Vegas

College Sustainability Report Card 2009

President Ashley signed the Presidents Climate Commitment and also approved campus sustainability policies, based on the recommendations of a task force on sustainability. The head of campus recycling also works as the part-time sustainability coordinator.

UNLV has completed and released its first carbon footprint report to the campus community. The new Greenspun Hall has a photovoltaic array, which provides approximately 25 percent of the energy for the facility. Over the past year, the university has circulated numerous summaries showing new and ongoing energy efficiency and conservation initiatives.

UNLV dining services contracts with a local dairy and offers fair trade coffee at some retail locations. One dining room will be converting to trayless dining this year in order to conserve food, water, and electricity. A discount is offered for those who bring their own reusable mug, and this year the program will be expanded to include canvas bags. Paper is recycled and cooking-oil recycling is under consideration.

The president approved a policy that includes standards for building construction, as well as addresses other aspects that impact building occupants, including green cleaning products, low-VOC paint, furniture standards, and Energy Star products. UNLV has one LEED Gold facility, Greenspun Hall, as well as one LEED Silver facility.

The Sierra Student Group, which completed the university's first carbon footprint survey, meets periodically with the president of the university. Students are directly involved in campus sustainability projects, including a multimodal transportation study for the campus. The group also holds annual activities on campus to raise awareness about sustainability issues.

Currently, most campus service vehicles are electric. Any new vehicles purchased must be hybrids or fueled by natural gas or E-85 fuel. UNLV has completed a campus transportation plan, funded by the Federal Transit Administration, and has plans to create an on-campus transit center that will lead to expanded public transportation routes. The university is exploring the possibility of providing unlimited access to public transportation for students, faculty, and staff. UNLV has joined a ride matching/carpooling program.

Information on endowment holdings and shareholder voting records are available to the public by request, as per open records laws. This information is available in the investment office.

The university aims to optimize investment return and does not invest in renewable energy funds or community development loan funds.

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