Saint Louis University

College Sustainability Report Card 2010

Saint Louis University purchases exclusively Energy Star appliances, as well as some paper products made from postconsumer recycled content, Green Seal- and Environmental Choice-certified cleaning products, and computers that meet EPEAT standards.

To improve the energy efficiency of its buildings, Saint Louis University has performed nighttime temperature setbacks and installed a new computer controlled boiler burner assembly. The university has also audited its steam traps, installed energy-efficient rooftop units, and installed variable frequency drives.

Saint Louis University's dining services is encouraged to buy local food when available, and 22 percent of the university's annual food budget is spent on local items. The university also purchases cage-free eggs, hormone- and antibiotic-free meat and dairy products, and seafood that meets Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch standards. All dining facilities are now trayless. The university also recycles all of its landscaping waste as compost or mulch.

Saint Louis University's Doisy Research Center meets LEED Silver certification criteria. The university has installed motion sensors and vending misers, as well as other lighting retrofits, to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings. Water-saving technologies include low-flow faucets, showerheads, urinals, and toilets.

The Environmental Learning Community is a sustainability-themed dormitory with 60 student residents. The house's aim is to explore creative solutions to environmental problems and learn about environmental, economic, and social justice issues. Part of the Student Government Association, the Environmental Task Force serves as a liaison between campus groups and departments and works to facilitate communication about environmental initiatives on campus.

Students can purchase discounted public transportation passes, and faculty and staff can purchase passes with pretax dollars. The university also operates a free shuttle around campus and to nearby off-campus destinations.

The university makes a list of all holdings available to trustees, senior administrators, and other select members of the school community and information about certain holdings available to the entire school community, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The university does not make its shareholder voting record public.

The university aims to optimize investment return and is currently invested in renewable energy funds and community development loan funds.

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