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Report Card 2011

University of Akron
College Sustainability Report Card 2011

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University of Akron

School details:

 Grade higher than last year

 

Endowment: $133 million as of June 30, 2009

Location: Akron, Ohio

 

Campus Survey: No

Dining Survey: No

Endowment Survey: No

Student Survey: Yes (see response)

 

Please note: This school did not respond to any of the three administrator surveys. The data used for both the profile and grading was compiled from independent research. For more information on data collection and evaluation, please see the Methodology section. 

 

Data compiled from survey responses, when available, and from independent research, when needed. For more information on data collection and evaluation, please see the Methodology section.

 
Overall grade 
D+
Administration
C 
The Blue, Gold, and Green Committee has worked on projects to reduce energy and water use, promoted biking on campus, encouraged alternative-fuel vehicles in the campus fleet, improved recycling, and helped organize an Earth Day celebration. A faculty learning committee is working to engage students in environmental community service projects through their classes. A new recycling coordinator will be hired in the fall.
Climate Change & Energy
C 
The university strives to meet the Ohio state goal of reducing building energy use 20 percent below 2004 levels by 2014. Despite an increase in building space, energy use has decreased as a result of temperature setbacks, building automation systems, energy-efficient lighting such as LEDs, and sensors to turn off lighting and HVAC systems when spaces are not in use.
Food & Recycling
D 
Trays have been removed from campus dining halls. The school recently began recycling cardboard, has installed two balers, and, in addition to traditional materials, recycles metal, print cartridges, and pallets. Due to a student initiative, ink cartridges are also being recycled, and there are waste reduction programs during move-in and move-out. The university sold unwanted furniture and other items during a surplus property sale.
Green Building
C 
The university complies with the Ohio state goal for new buildings to surpass ASHRAE 90.1 standards. Spicer Hall, the South Campus Parking Deck, Lee Jackson Soccer Field, the National Polymer Innovation Center, and the Center for the History of Psychology are all built to LEED standards. Materials salvaged from demolition have been reused by the university or donated to Habitat for Humanity. High-efficiency plumbing fixtures have been installed on campus to conserve water.
Student Involvement
D 
The members of Students for Green Construction and Design have improved the recycling and waste reduction programs on campus. They are also building a straw-bale house, an energy retrofit house, and a sustainable EcoVillage near campus. They have worked on bringing recyclable dishware and local foods to dining halls, incorporating sustainability information into required classes and new student orientation, and using rainwater for irrigation, among many other projects. Additionally, campus fraternities and sororities collect recyclables at athletic events.
See complete survey data
Transportation
D 
The university operates the Roo Express Shuttle Service, which provides free transportation around campus. The school is improving bike accessibility with additional bike racks, signage to define bike paths, and bike racks on all campus shuttles.
Endowment Transparency
F 
The university has no known policy of disclosure of endowment holdings or its shareholder voting record.
Investment Priorities
C 
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.
Shareholder Engagement
F 
The university has not made any public statements about active ownership or a proxy voting policy.
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