Hofstra University

College Sustainability Report Card 2010

Hofstra University’s Senate Environmental Priorities Committee, comprised of faculty, students, and administrators, guides the school’s sustainability efforts. The university buys only Energy Star products and Green Seal cleaning supplies. The university is in the process of hiring a sustainability officer and creating a formal sustainability policy.

Hofstra operates a natural gas cogeneration facility, which provides electricity and hot water to residence halls. The university has recently implemented direct digital controls in building renovations and new building construction, and has installed variable frequency drives for mechanical equipment.

Food services spends 38 percent of the annual food budget on local and organic food items, including free-range chicken and hormone- and antibiotic-free meats. Four vegan entrees are offered in campus dining facilities each day. A recycling program diverts 40 percent of recyclable waste from the landfill.

Hofstra has two Energy Star-labeled buildings. New building designs encourage use of natural light, locally sourced materials, natural landscaping, occupancy-sensor lighting controls, and the purchase of Energy Star appliances. The university has installed low-flow showerheads, low-flow and dual-flush toilets, and automatic faucets.

Students for a Greener Hofstra works with administrators and the campus community to make the school a leader in environmental sustainability and stewardship. The Progressive Student Union, a grassroots action organization that strives for social change through education and activism, has led many campaigns, including an RGBH-free school milk campaign with their local congresswoman. The Office of Student Leadership and Activities runs a series of programs to encourage sustainability among student organizations. New-student orientation includes a program on sustainability.

Hofstra provides shuttle buses on and around campus and encourages the use of environmentally preferable transit by allowing employees to purchase public transportation passes with pretax dollars. Several departments use electric carts, and six bicycles are used for public safety patrols.

Hofstra does not make its shareholder voting record public. The university treasurer provides a summary report of endowment investment activity to the board of trustees, senior administration, and representatives of the faculty, students, and alumni at each board meeting.

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.