Drexel University

College Sustainability Report Card 2011

Drexel's green committees have worked on a variety of initiatives. They recently created sustainability staff positions, purchased wind energy, reduced building energy consumption, reduced bottled water on campus, developed a surplus exchange program, and recommended incentives for the use of alternative transportation. All appliances purchased for the campus are Energy Star qualified, and all office paper is made from 100 percent postconsumer recycled content.

To reduce energy use, the university has installed steam trap systems as well as energy management systems, steam line insulation, economizers, and lighting retrofits in almost all buildings. Departments compete to reduce their energy use, and campus energy consumption is monitored and displayed. Wind power renewable energy credits offset 30 percent of campus energy needs.

The university spends 17 percent of its food budget locally. Some dining halls use free-range eggs, and fair trade coffee is available across campus. Free drink refills are offered for using reusable mugs. A food waste audit has been conducted, and steps are being taken to reduce junk mail. Unwanted items are sold at the end of the year, and departments can exchange surplus materials year round.

Drexel designs toward LEED Silver standards; however, new construction is registered and rated using the Green Globes rating system. The campus features five green buildings. Since 2000, nine existing spaces have been repurposed for alternative use. To conserve water, the campus features low-flow fixtures in all buildings, efficient laundry machines in 80 percent of buildings, and weather-informed irrigation, among other technologies. Rainwater collection for toilet flushing, green roofs, and porous pavement prevent stormwater runoff.

The Sierra Club has sent students to a climate change conference, successfully campaigned for free-range eggs in the dining halls, and organized a recycling contest, among other projects. Residents of Drexel Smart House experiment with ways to decrease their energy use. An Earth Day celebration included a competition to save energy and a Trayless Tuesdays program. Students will design a green living space for a residential hospitality suite.

There are 16 biodiesel and 9 hybrid vehicles in the campus fleet. Seventy-five percent of student and employee commuters use alternative means of transportation. Carpoolers have access to an online ride-matching board; employees and students receive discounted transit and rail passes; and a free shuttle serves the campus. The university operates a free bike-sharing program and partners with a local car-sharing program.

A list of all holdings is sent to select members of the school community upon request. The university does not make its shareholder voting record public.

The university aims to optimize investment returns, and the endowment is currently invested in community development loan funds.

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