Clark University

College Sustainability Report Card 2010

The Environmental Sustainability Task Force has set carbon emissions reduction goals. The purchasing policy specifies that Clark only buy Energy Star products whenever such ratings exist. The university procures 30 percent postconsumer recycled paper and Green Seal-certified cleaning products, and all pesticides meet organic farming standards.

The university has committed to reducing emissions to 20 percent below 2005 levels by 2015, and is already three-quarters of the way to that goal. Energy efficiency measures on campus include a cogeneration plant, an electronic energy management system, and upgrades to HVAC systems. The Energy Awareness Program provides information about conservation.

Clark purchases produce from 25 local farms through a distributor, as well as bread and ice cream from local producers. All eggs are cage-free, and milk and ice cream are hormone-free. Dining halls serve exclusively fair trade coffee. A discount is given on beverages with a reusable mug. All dining halls compost pre- and postconsumer food waste.

New building construction larger than 5,000 square feet will be designed and built to LEED Silver standards at a minimum, provided this does not increase the total cost of the project by more than 10 percent. There is one LEED Gold and one LEED Silver building on campus. Clark installs water-saving fixtures, greywater systems, and efficient laundry technology in all projects.

Paid student Eco-Reps focus on education and outreach within dorms. New students are given sustainability information through welcome packets, peer advisers, and a bike tour of Worcester. The Clark Sustainability Initiative group holds a dorm energy competition. Students also run the bike-sharing program and the community garden.

A free van service provides transportation around campus, and a free shuttle brings students to other colleges and local points of interest. There is a bike-sharing program on campus. All construction plans include bike racks and showers for bike commuters.

The university makes a list of all holdings available only to trustees and senior administrators. A list of external managers, and a list of mutual funds is accessible at the investment office to all members of the school community, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni. A list of votes cast on proxy resolutions on a company-specific level is also available at the investment office to all members of the school community.

The university aims to optimize investment return and is currently invested in renewable energy funds and community development loan funds. There is a specific private equity manager who considers sustainability factors.

For environmental and social resolutions, students, faculty, and alumni serve on an advisory committee, which makes proxy voting recommendations to the board. For some corporate governance matters, the university provides its investment managers with general guidelines that determine its proxy votes.