Samford University

College Sustainability Report Card 2010

The Samford Sustainability Committee oversees sustainability efforts on campus. The university purchases exclusively Energy Star appliances, as well as some paper products made from postconsumer recycled content and biorenewable cleaning products.

Samford has installed occupancy sensors in campus buildings and performs routine performance checks. The university has also retrofitted light fixtures in existing campus buildings. Signs are placed around campus reminding community members to turn off lights when leaving a room.

Samford's dining services purchases local food whenever possible; at least 45 percent of the university's annual food budget is spent on local items. The university also purchases fair trade coffee, as well as hormone- and antibiotic-free milk and other dairy products. Dining facilities at Samford are now trayless. Individuals who bring reusable beverage containers to the food court receive free refills. Dining services donates leftover food to the Salvation Army and local churches.

Low-flow faucets and showerheads and more efficient washing machines have been installed to reduce water consumption in existing buildings.

The student group Restoring Eden promotes sustainability on campus in accordance with Samford's Christian mission. The group Students for Sustainability also works to educate community members about environmental issues.

The university offers a free shuttle around campus and to off-campus parking. A bicycle-sharing program will begin by December 2009. Students and faculty are provided with free or reduced-fare public transportation passes.

The university makes a list of external managers, a list of mutual funds, and information about cash holdings available at the investment office 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.

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