University of South Carolina

College Sustainability Report Card 2009

Former President Sorensen signed the Presidents Climate Commitment and the university has adopted its own environmental policy to incorporate sustainability issues into campus operations. A full-time campus sustainability position has been created. A green purchasing policy emphasizes recycled, remanufactured, and locally generated products. An environmental advisory council and an alternative energy committee oversee sustainability programs on campus.

A greenhouse gas inventory of the campus was conducted as part of a student thesis project. Lighting has been retrofitted and a biomass plant will use cogeneration to produce electricity as part of the school's energy performance contract. Boilers, chillers, and cooling towers have been replaced with updated models, and the university has a 25-kilowatt photovoltaic solar array.

Dining services uses locally grown vegetables and fruits from 22 local farmers. Biodegradable products are used for packaging take-out products, and dining services is currently looking into a corn syrup resin cup to replace a pressed foam cup. A successful reusable mug program has been in place for ten years. Additional collection bins were recently added to assist with recycling.

Through its sustainable design guidelines, the university is committed to applying LEED standards to all new buildings. The new West Quadrangle Living Learning Complex has obtained LEED Silver certification. A new state law requires most of the university's new or renovated facilities to achieve LEED Silver certification.

Students may live in a green dorm, where they can participate in an energy competition. Students Advocating for a Greener Earth has been working to implement a green fee and have a Go Green awareness campaign. Student government and the Residence Hall Association have both appointed sustainability coordinators. Students can also apply for mini-grants for research on sustainability.

The university's 16 buses use a biodiesel blend fuel, and there are 10 electric vehicles in the campus fleet. An ethanol fuel station is currently being installed. The free campus shuttle services 5,000 to 6,000 passengers each day. The ride-share program has 100 participants who receive preferential and discounted parking. An environmental student group is working to bring a fleet of rental bikes to the school.

Information on endowment holdings is available to the public on the school website, as per open records laws. Information on proxy voting records is not made public.

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.