University at Buffalo–SUNY

College Sustainability Report Card 2010

Sustainability is one of the five pillars of UB’s master plan. The Environmental Stewardship Committee is working to create a climate action plan pursuant to its obligations to the Presidents' Climate Commitment. The UB Green Office employs two environmental educators, and the university has adopted a green purchasing policy.

UB reduced greenhouse gas emissions 7 percent between 1997 and 2007 and is committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2030. There are solar panels on campus, and the university offsets 15 percent of its energy use through renewable energy credits. To reduce demand on the grid, UB has a cogeneration microturbine and regularly performs HVAC system tune-ups and engages in energy conservation ESCO projects across campus.

UB purchases produce, dairy, bread, and pasta produced within 150 miles of the campus. The university buys 40 percent of its fish in accordance with Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch guidelines and Marine Stewardship Council standards. All coffee is fair trade, and there are at least ten vegan options daily. All dining facilities have preconsumer compost.

UB has developed high performance building guidelines for new construction and renovations in response to an executive order from the governor to prioritize energy efficiency and guarantee a commitment to high performance and green building principles. The university has committed to LEED Gold standards for all new buildings and currently has one LEED-certified building and another that meets the standards for LEED Silver certification. The university has installed energy-efficient lighting and occupancy sensors, and has one waterless urinal. UB diverts 25 percent of nonhazardous construction waste from landfills.

The Student Association Office of the Environment, created in 2009, collaborates with the Environmental Stewardship Committee. Student organizations include the UB Environmental Network and Engineers for a Sustainable World. The student assembly is in the process of creating a director of sustainability position.

A fee covers the cost of transportation around campus for students, and a bus makes regular trips to the local mall and supermarket. A bike-sharing program for school community members is made possible through a partnership with a community organization, and UB students, faculty, and staff are able to use a free and local carpool-matching service. The university fleet includes 56 compressed natural gas, 5 hybrid, and 10 GEM vehicles, and all diesel vehicles use B20 biodiesel.

The UB Foundation makes a list of all holdings available to trustees, senior administrators, and other select members of the school community. The foundation does not make its shareholder voting record public.

The foundation aims to optimize investment return and does not invest in renewable energy funds or community development loan funds.

The foundation does not have the ability to vote proxies, as the entire endowment is invested in mutual funds.