Howard University

College Sustainability Report Card 2011

Howard University has demonstrated a commitment to the environment through the incorporation of sustainability in its campus master plan. A sustainability committee has worked on a number of initiatives, including developing campus clean-up programs and pursuing an energy performance contract. The university also purchases a variety of Energy Star- and EPEAT-certified products.

To reduce energy use, the university has implemented several measures, including energy management systems and HVAC upgrades, and has installed energy-efficient technologies such as steam trap systems, economizers, heat recovery systems, lighting sensors, temperature control timers, and variable speed drives. The university also promotes energy conservation through awareness campaigns.

Dining services at Howard spends 5 percent of its annual food budget on local items, including fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy. Only fair trade coffee is served on campus, and fair trade tea and bananas are also purchased. The university recycles batteries, computers, and lightbulbs in addition to traditional materials.

The university has repurposed an existing space for alternative use in order to avoid new construction. Janitorial services has a green cleaning policy. In order to reduce water consumption, the university utilizes weather-informed irrigation.

Howard employs three paid student interns throughout the year to work on sustainability initiatives. Several student groups work to promote environmental stewardship among the campus community. An annual recycling competition encourages waste reduction, and new students learn about sustainability at orientation.

The school provides a free shuttle service to on-campus destinations. The university has not made public any other programs or practices that encourage or facilitate the use of alternative forms of transportation.

The university has no known policy of disclosure of endowment holdings or its shareholder voting record.

The university aims to optimize investment returns, and has not made any public statements about exploring or investing in on-campus sustainability projects, renewable energy funds, or community development loan funds.

The university has not made any public statements about active ownership or a proxy voting policy.