Miami University

College Sustainability Report Card 2010

Miami University recently established the University Senate Committee on Sustainability as well as a revolving loan fund for sustainability projects and the position of part-time sustainability coordinator. The purchasing department prioritizes Green Seal cleaning products and Energy Star appliances in its procurement decisions.

Miami has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 20 percent per square foot below 2004 levels by 2014, as per state requirements. The “This Makes Cents” program encourages the Miami community to share energy conservation ideas. The university installed a 2.3-kilowatt solar panel system at the Ecology Research Center.

Miami held an interactive forum between local farmers and dining services chefs to incorporate local foods into menus. The university currently sources from approximately 30 local producers, including a dairy. Disposable plates and utensils are made from postconsumer recycled or biodegradable materials. Miami composts 100 percent of its landscaping waste.

All residence halls feature low-flow showerheads, and the Farmer School of Business is LEED Silver-certified. The President’s Task Force on Environmental Sustainability has recommended adopting a policy requiring adherence to LEED-Gold criteria. The recommendation will be considered by the Board of Trustees.

Student environmental coordinators are responsible for promoting sustainability and recycling within residence halls. The student group Green Oxford organizes an annual environmental teach-in, among other projects. A committee within the student government is dedicated to sustainability issues.

Miami University's fleet includes 1 hybrid and 54 flex-fuel vehicles. The university offers a free carpooling service and operates a campus shuttle that extends to off-campus housing neighborhoods.

The university makes a list of external managers and mutual funds available 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, including the number of shares, is only available to trustees, senior administrators, and other select 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. Miami uses investment managers who consider environmental and sustainability factors.

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