University of Richmond

College Sustainability Report Card 2011

Sustainability is a guiding principle in the University of Richmond's master and strategic plans. The university has three committees and three full-time staff devoted to implementing and coordinating sustainability programs. The university's purchasing policy gives weight to environmental stewardship in procurement decisions.

Richmond has completed a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and aims to reduce emissions 31 percent from 2010 levels by 2020. To conserve energy, the university has installed steam trap systems, economizers, energy management systems, lighting sensors, and energy-efficient lighting. The university also has a website where members of the campus community can monitor the energy use of individual buildings.

The university spends 10 percent of its annual food budget on local items, including vegetables, fruit, dairy, meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood. At least 14 vegan meals are served each week. Fair trade coffee, chocolate, and tea are purchased, and extra food is donated to a local food bank. Forty percent of meals at the university are trayless, and discounts are offered for use of reusable bags, mugs, and to-go containers. The university recycles traditional materials as well as electronics.

Richmond's green building policy requires that all new construction meet LEED Silver standards. The university has three LEED-certified buildings, and nine other buildings on campus meet LEED criteria or are awaiting certification. Occupancy sensors and lighting timers have been installed in campus buildings, and nearly all buildings have been retrofitted with water-saving plumbing fixtures. Recent construction projects have recycled approximately 80 percent of nonhazardous waste.

Earth Lodge is a sustainability-themed housing option for students. The university employs two student interns to work on campus sustainability projects. Students participate in two eco-competitions: ReycleMania and Dorm Wars Energy Competition. GreenUR, one of five active student groups devoted to sustainability, built and operates a composting system on campus.

The university offers preferred parking to carpoolers, and all members of the school community can receive a free pass for the local transit system. Richmond operates a shuttle that takes students on scheduled, round-trip rides to local shopping and entertainment districts,as well as the airport and train station. In 2009, the university began a bike-sharing program that now includes 40 bikes and is available to students free of charge.

The university makes a list of all holdings available to trustees, senior administrators, and select members of the school community and sends the information upon request. The university does not make its shareholder voting record public.

The university aims to optimize investment returns and is exploring, but not currently invested in, renewable energy funds.

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