Old Dominion University

College Sustainability Report Card 2011

Old Dominion University’s master plan prioritizes the application of sustainable development principles. The Go Green Committee held the Go Green Festival to celebrate the university’s sustainability efforts. ODU’s green purchasing policy mandates procurement of Energy Star-certified appliances, EPEAT-certified computers, and office paper with 30 percent postconsumer recycled content.

ODU completed its first greenhouse gas emissions inventory and uses temperature setbacks, economizers, and energy management systems to decrease energy use on campus. The university has also installed lighting sensors and energy-efficient lighting, uses temperature controls in buildings, and has recently implemented a solar hot water system.

The university purchases some organic vegetables, as well as fruit, dairy, meat, poultry, and eggs from local producers. Seafood purchases conform to sustainability guidelines, and vegan options are provided at each meal. Some fair trade coffee is available, and discounts are offered for the use of reusable bags and mugs. Since 2007, all meals have been trayless, and a comprehensive program diverts recyclables and electronic waste from traditional disposal.

In accordance with an executive order from the governor of Virginia, Old Dominion will construct all new buildings and renovations to LEED Silver standards; the campus currently features one LEED-certified building. To manage water use, each building is individually metered, and low-flow faucets and showerheads have been installed. The university catches rainwater in cisterns for irrigation and has installed porous pavement, retention ponds, and stone and vegetated swales to manage stormwater.

Members of the Environmental Engineering Student Association participated in the 2010 Solar Decathlon and sponsored several activities involving wind and solar energy. The university participates in RecycleMania and employs two paid student interns each year to work on sustainability-related projects on campus.

Alternative-fuel vehicles comprise over one-third of the university motor poll. ODU provides students with a free bus pass and faculty and staff with a 50 percent discounted pass for local transit. A shuttle service serves the campus and local destinations. In 2009, the university began a bike-sharing program that is available to students at no cost.

The Old Dominion University Educational Foundation makes a list of all holdings available to trustees, senior administrators, and other select members of the school community. This information is sent to individuals upon request. The foundation does not make it shareholder voting record public.

The foundation aims to optimize investment returns and is currently invested in renewable energy funds or similar investment vehicles.

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