Carleton College

College Sustainability Report Card 2010

The Environmental Advisory Committee has worked on a climate action plan, and the master plan recognizes the importance of preserving the natural landscape. The purchasing policy specifies that Carleton buy exclusively Energy Star appliances, green cleaning supplies, and paper with recycled content.

Carleton has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 9 percent since 2004. All major buildings are equipped with computerized energy management and lighting control systems. Most buildings have been retrofitted with energy-efficient lighting fixtures, and HVAC systems have been upgraded with high-efficiency motors. Two dorms display energy use information broken down by suite in an effort to encourage students to conserve energy.

The college spends a quarter of its annual food budget on local items including produce, meat, and organic greens. Carleton purchases exclusively hormone- and antibiotic-free milk and poultry and all coffee served on campus is fair trade. All seafood is chosen in accordance with sustainability guidelines. Both dining halls compost pre- and postconsumer food waste. Compost bins are also available on every floor of the residence halls.

All new construction projects aim for LEED Silver certification. Two new dorms meet LEED Gold standards. Some buildings have motion sensors and ambient light sensors. Carleton is in the process of converting all water fixtures to low-flow models. All buildings are metered individually for electricity and water usage.

Farm House is a themed residence that promotes sustainable living and is home to the campus garden. New students are introduced to sustainability during orientation, and student sustainability assistants act as resources within dorms. Student groups have created a thrift store, advocated for trayless dining halls, work in the campus garden, and run a Green Wars dorm energy- and water-use competition.

There are four hybrids in the campus fleet. Parking spots are reserved for faculty and staff who carpool to work. Free shuttles are available to a nearby town. There is a communal bike-sharing program, and campus fleet vehicles can be rented by students. Most parking is located on the edge of campus to encourage walking and biking.

The college makes a list of all holdings available online to trustees, senior administrators, and other select members of the school community. Equity holdings information is available to the public. A list of votes cast on proxy resolutions on a company-specific level is accessible online to the public.

The college aims to optimize investment return and is currently invested in renewable energy funds.

An advisory committee with one administrator, five students, two faculty members, and two staff members makes proxy voting recommendations to the board of trustees.