University of Guelph

College Sustainability Report Card 2010

The Energy Conservation Working Group, consisting of students, faculty, and staff, works to identify projects and direct funding toward energy upgrades. The physical resources department employs a sustainability coordinator and an energy management technician. Green purchasing criteria have been incorporated into purchasing decisions.

The university has implemented numerous efficiency initiatives, including upgrades to lighting and air conditioning, high-efficiency chillers, and variable speed drives. HVAC systems have been upgraded in 76 percent of campus building space. The facilities department is working with the local utility company on a cogeneration project. As incandescent bulbs burn out, they are replaced with compact fluorescent bulbs.

Hospitality services created a sustainability plan that includes local food and fair trade coffee. The university buys from 50 local producers, spending $1 million annually on these purchases. Dishes may be borrowed from the cafeterias and returned at pick-up areas in residence halls. Dining halls give discounts for the use of reusable dishware or to-go containers. Electronic waste is collected from all departments and recycled.

New facilities are built to a standard of 25 percent improved efficiency above the Model National Energy Code for Buildings, and two buildings have met LEED certification criteria. All new plumbing fixtures are low-flow, and all new lighting fixtures are energy-efficient. Occupancy sensors have been installed in 13 percent of building space.

All orientation events must meet green criteria established by the university, including energy conservation and proper recycling. Eco House is a sustainably themed residence. There are numerous other student clubs, including Guelph Students for Environmental Change. The Enviro Reps are a team of 30 to 50 volunteers who promote environmental awareness on campus. Students compete in the Residence Energy Reduction Challenge.

The university fleet includes 2 hybrid and 18 electric vehicles. Parking officials and campus police use small high-efficiency vehicles and bicycles for travel. All employees are eligible for a 15 percent discount on monthly passes for the city of Guelph transit buses, and a central bus hub was recently established at the university center building. All undergraduate students purchase a universal bus pass for the semester as part of their fee package.

The university makes a list of external managers available to members of the school community upon request. The university does not make its shareholder voting record public.

Te 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.