University of Nebraska–Lincoln

College Sustainability Report Card 2010

The Chancellor’s Commission on Environmental Sustainability has identified ten key sustainability issues for which policy recommendations will be developed. The university purchases Green Seal cleaning products wherever available and EPEAT Gold-standard computers.

Over half of the university’s electricity is supplied through low-impact hydropower. The university replaced HVAC chillers with more efficient units and has optimized temperature and pressure setpoints through mechanical system control. An energy engineer is responsible for actively pursuing conservation initiatives in campus operations.

Dining services directly purchases produce, pasture-raised beef, eggs, and nuts from 34 local farms through its Good, Fresh, Local program and has eliminated trays from most dining halls. Menus feature organic grains as well as some grass-fed beef and confinement-free poultry. The campus’ electronic recycling program has collected nearly 120,000 pounds of batteries, cell phones, computers, lightbulbs, and televisions.

The university features one LEED Silver-certified building, nine buildings that meet LEED-certified criteria, and twelve buildings that meet LEED-EB certification criteria. Up to 75 percent of lamps in campus building corridors have been replaced by ambient lighting.

The Natural Resources Residence Hall houses 23 students who are interested in discussing solutions to environmental concerns. Residents of the hall co-enroll in three relevant courses together. The student organization Ecology Now works to improve recycling in campus buildings.

Access to the entire Lincoln city transit system is subsidized at a 90 percent discount for students and a 70 percent discount for faculty and staff. Carpoolers receive priority reserved parking, and an on-campus bike shop offers bike rentals and maintenance service.

The university and the University of Nebraska Foundation make a list of all holdings available to the public. This information is sent to individuals upon request. The university and foundation do not make shareholder voting records public.

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

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