University of New Hampshire

College Sustainability Report Card 2010

The University of New Hampshire embraces sustainability principles in its CORE: curriculum, operations, research, and engagement. UNH has multiple committees devoted to specific aspects of sustainability and employs six full-time equivalent sustainability staff. All purchasing considerations include an evaluation of environmental practices. Synthetic landscaping products are being replaced with organic versions.

Under its climate action plan, WildCAP, the university has committed to reducing its emissions 50 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. UNH's ECOline project will utilize landfill gas to meet up to 85 percent of campus energy needs. The university will sell the associated renewable energy certificates to help finance the project and to invest in additional energy efficiency projects on campus.

Dining services purchases produce from an on-campus organic garden as well as food from 88 local farms and producers. UNH dining offers beverage discounts for bringing reusable mugs. A composting program collects over 92 tons of pre- and postconsumer food waste annually and contributes to an overall diversion rate of 90 percent.

UNH mandates that new construction and renovations meet LEED Silver or equivalent standards and use low-flow toilets, urinals, faucets, and showers. The university is installing a rainwater reclamation system at James Hall as part of its renovation, which is registered to pursue LEED certification. The campus features 11 Energy Star labeled buildings.

The UNH Ecological Advocates raise awareness about living sustainably at UNH. A Living Green community will house 25 students during the 2009-2010 academic year. The Sustainability Internship Program engages students through paid positions in numerous on-campus departments. Students can also participate in a variety of organizations, including the Energy Club, the Organic Garden Club, and the Student Environmental Action Council.

UNH strives to run all of its diesel fleet on B20 low-sulfur diesel. The Cat Cycles bike program allows any member of the university to sign out a bike and accessories for up to one week at a time. The university has an extensive public transportation system with numerous routes both on campus and off and with links to regional bus and train services.

The University System of New Hampshire and the UNH Foundation make a list of all holdings available to the public online. While these entities do not have the ability to vote proxies, recommendation letters sent to fund managers and to pooled mutual funds in which the foundation invests are available online.

The university and foundation aim to optimize investment return and are currently invested in renewable energy funds and community development loan funds. Donors can request that gifts be directed into sustainable and socially responsible investment options.

The university and the foundation do not have the ability to vote proxies, as both endowments are invested entirely in mutual funds.