Université Laval

College Sustainability Report Card 2011

Université Laval has created a sustainability policy to guide its actions in reducing its ecological footprint and furthering its research in the area of sustainable development. The Sustainability Issues Advisory Table has prepared green building guidelines, ensured that all undergraduate programs include a sustainable development component, published a green event guide, and funded student sustainability projects. Half of the paper purchased for the campus is environmentally preferable, and all computers purchased are EPEAT certified.

The university has seen a 12 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since installing a new electric boiler in 2007. Laval has upgraded its buildings with numerous energy-efficient technologies, including steam trap systems, lighting sensors on exterior lighting, and timers for temperature control. In addition, the school purchases all of its energy from hydropower, and will begin generating geothermal power on campus in fall 2010.

Dining services purchases local produce and dairy, and serves fair trade coffee in all locations. Pre- and postconsumer food scraps are composted at all meals, and excess food is donated to local food banks. The university also employs a limited printing program to reduce paper usage.

Laval builds new construction and renovation projects according to green building principles, and four buildings on campus currently meet LEED criteria. The university has implemented water-conserving measures, including building water metering, leak detection and reduction, non-potable water usage for irrigation, and landscaping with drought-resistant native plants. The campus also features a green roof.

Laval covers sustainability issues in its new student orientation and employs 15 paid student sustainability interns. The university also hosts a student-organized Forest Science Week and an Agriculture, Food, and Consumption Week.

The campus fleet includes 125 electric vehicles for use in the university's underground tunnel network. Laval offers ride-matching as well as discounts on bus passes for faculty, staff, and students. A free bike rental program was started in 2006, and the Student Cooperative Roue-Libre organizes free bicycle repair services on campus.

The university makes a list of holdings available to trustees, senior administrators and other select members of the school community. A list of votes cast on proxy resolutions on a company-specific level is also available to trustees and senior administrators.

The university aims to optimize investment returns and does not invest the endowment in on-campus sustainability projects, renewable energy projects, or community development loan funds. Donors can request that gifts be directed into a sustainable development fund.

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