University of Missouri–Columbia

College Sustainability Report Card 2010

Each year since 2003, the Environmental Affairs Committee has issued an updated report on the campus's impact on the environment. The university is currently in the process of drafting its official sustainability policy, which will emphasize energy efficiency, awareness, and resource protection. Created in 2009, the sustainability office employs two full-time staff.

Between 1990 and 2009, the university achieved an 11 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per square foot. The university switched 4 percent of the coal supply to burning wood chips, saving the university $50,000 annually. A cogeneration plant provides heating and electricity on campus, and major HVAC systems have been upgraded to high-efficiency standards.

The Farm to MU dining services program sources food from approximately 15 local suppliers. A dining facility has begun composting, producing 29 tons of postconsumer food waste per year. Outside of dining halls, 16 composting dumpsters are located around campus. In the past year, MU has increased its recycling rate from 20 to 25 percent.

The university aims to incorporate sustainability principles and concepts into all of its new construction projects. University Hall and General Services Building are Energy Star-labeled buildings.

Sustain Mizzou is an active student organization on campus. Other groups address sustainability in Greek life, weatherizing local buildings, awareness of environmental science issues, and promoting green building. Mizzou Dashboard is a real-time energy monitoring website used extensively during the annual student residence hall energy-saving competition.

MU's fleet includes two hybrid and numerous E-85 vehicles. The university provides shuttle and bus transit options, and discounted metro bus tickets are available for campus community members.

The university makes a list of all holdings available to the public per open record law. This information is on the school website. The university does not make its shareholder voting record public.

The 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.