University of Nevada–Reno

College Sustainability Report Card 2010

Sustainability is incorporated into both UNR's master and strategic plans and is further addressed in a comprehensive sustainability plan being developed by the Sustainability Committee. A university purchasing policy requires Energy Star-rated products when available.

Approximately 18 percent of UNR's electricity is generated from renewable sources through a combination of hydro, geothermal, solar, wind, biofuel, and biomass power. The university completed a greenhouse gas inventory and has implemented temperature setbacks to reduce energy consumption. Facilities has converted most T-12 lighting to T-5 fixtures.

Dining services purchases from a local dairy that receives all its milk from northern Nevada farms, and serves mixed greens sourced from an on-campus greenhouse. A commercial producer processes UNR's used cooking oil into biodiesel. In addition, dining services commits 1 percent of meal plan revenue toward sustainable initiatives. The university recycled approximately 64,000 pounds of electronic waste in 2008.

UNR has a sustainable building policy that prioritizes the inclusion of LEED principles in all new construction. All residence halls feature low-flow showerheads, and new buildings are equipped with low-flush toilets.

Students work in the university's recycling program, and student organizations have been active in pursuing green building and other sustainability projects on campus. The Energy Wars competition between residence halls strives to increase awareness about energy use on campus.

UNR provides free city-to-campus bus service as well as a campus shuttle for faculty, staff, and students. Bus passes for the municipal system are offered at a discounted rate. To encourage ride-sharing, the university offers discounted parking permits for carpools and has created an online carpool network.

The University of Nevada-Reno Foundation makes a list of all holdings available to the public per open record law. This information is available to the public and is accessible online.

The foundation aims to optimize investment return and is currently invested in renewable energy funds.

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