Wheaton College (IL)

College Sustainability Report Card 2010

The President’s Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee (ESAC), comprised of students, staff, and faculty, initiates sustainability programs on campus. The college purchases recycled paper, green cleaning supplies, and electronics that meet EPEAT standards.

The college purchases 10 percent of its electricity from renewable sources. A new natural gas-fired steam plant has allowed for a sizable building to be heated more efficiently. Other retrofits have included boiler upgrades and piping insulation.

The college's food service provider spends 23 percent of the annual food budget on local produce, fruit, meats, and dairy. Fair trade coffee, cage-free eggs, grass-fed beef, and hormone- and antibiotic-free poultry and dairy are also purchased. All seafood is bought in accordance with sustainability guidelines. Dining services has reduced kitchen and consumer waste by about 15 percent this year.

Wheaton aims for all new building projects to achieve LEED Silver certification and recently achieved this goal with the remodeling of the Memorial Student Center. Campus toilets and showerheads have been converted to low-flow models in some buildings. Lighting timers have also been installed in several buildings.

A number of student organizations participate in sustainability initiatives, including A Rocha, a chapter of an international conservation organization. Students living on campus participate in an energy reduction competition, which has resulted in a 10 percent energy reduction in the residence halls. Utilities savings from the competition are donated to a sustainability-focused charity.

The campus fleet includes two electric service vehicles and a hybrid car. The human resources department offers a pretax paycheck deduction for commuter train and bus pass purchases. Bicycle racks have been placed near most major buildings.

The college makes a list of all holdings available to trustees, senior administrators, and other select members of the school community. Shareholder voting records are available to this group by request.

The college aims to optimize investment return and is exploring, but not currently invested in, renewable energy funds or similar investment vehicles.

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