University of Oklahoma

College Sustainability Report Card 2011

The University of Oklahoma Sustainability Committee recently implemented a paper conservation initiative and ran the Dump the Pump campaign to increase the use of public transport. The Environmental Concerns Committee has instituted a green purchasing policy focused on Energy Star products. Most cleaning products purchased by the university are Green Seal-certified, and all paper products contain at least 30 percent postconsumer recycled content.

In accordance with the Chicago Climate Exchange, the university aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1 percent annually. OU has signed a contract to purchase only wind electricity by 2013. The university has conducted a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and uses energy audits to identify potential improvement areas and increase building efficiency.

The university spends nearly 15 percent of its annual food budget on local products. All milk served on campus is hormone and antibiotic free, and seafood purchases are informed by sustainable fisheries guidelines. Twelve vegan meals are served per week, and fair trade coffee is available at dining locations. Trayless dining has been implemented at 90 percent of meals, and extra food is donated to local shelters and soup kitchens.

OU is working with an outside contractor to complete comprehensive upgrades on several academic buildings, including the installation of photo luminescent exit signs, low-flow toilets, and occupancy sensors for office lighting.

Our Earth, a student group at OU, has worked to promote recycling through the Crimson and Green Commitment, during which OU students, faculty, and staff made personal pledges to live sustainable lifestyles. During the 2009-2010 school year, Our Earth also sought approval for an on-campus community garden from the Office of Student Life.

Over one-third of the campus fleet is comprised of alternative-fuel vehicles. Cleveland Area Rapid Transit services the OU campus, as well as the surrounding area, and is free to the university community. The university’s bicycle committee is in the process of constructing a network of bicycling, walking, and jogging trails.

The University of Oklahoma Foundation makes a list of endowment holdings available to trustees, senior administrators, and other select members of the school community. This information is available at the investment office. The foundation does not make the shareholder voting record of its commingled funds public.

The foundation aims to optimize investment returns and does not invest the endowment in on-campus sustainability projects, renewable energy funds, or community development loan funds.

The foundation is unable to vote proxies, as the entire endowment is invested in mutual funds or other commingled investment vehicles.