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Report Card 2008

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University of Wisconsin
College Sustainability Report Card 2008

  Compare with another school

B+
University of Wisconsin–Madison

School details:

  Grade higher than last year

 

Endowment: $1,400 million as of June 30, 2006

Location: Madison, Wisconsin

 

Campus Survey: Yes

Dining Survey: Yes

Endowment Survey: Yes

 

Data compiled from independent research. For information on data collection and evaluation, please see the Methods section.

 
Overall grade  
B +
Administration
B 
In accordance with the governor’s executive order, all campuses must cut their energy use per square foot by 10 percent by 2008. Eight of the system’s chancellors have signed the Presidents Climate Commitment. Numerous campuses employ sustainability coordinators and have sustainability task forces that investigate initiatives such as renewable energy purchasing.
Climate Change & Energy
B 
Both the state and the university system have committed to procuring 20 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2011, and the governor has set a goal of making four of the university’s thirteen campuses energy independent by 2012. The Green Bay campus has agreed to buy credits to supply 10 percent of its energy needs with renewable energy.
Food & Recycling
A 
The university regularly purchases locally grown and organic items. Twice a year, they hold a dinner of virtually all organic ingredients, and local when possible. The Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems is working to connect local farmers to universities. The university has proposed building a waste management laboratory that will include composting facilities.
Green Building
B 
The state of Wisconsin, under the governor’s executive order, is developing green building standards for all state facilities based on LEED and LEED-EB standards. UW–Whitewater is designing a LEED-certified residence hall that will replace two older halls. UW–Superior is designing a LEED-certified student union to replace its outdated union.
Transportation
A 
UW–Madison is a leader across Dane County in providing alternative modes of transportation. Over 50 percent of faculty and staff, and over 90 percent of students use alternative modes of transportation to commute to campus. All faculty, staff, and students, receive a free bus pass. The university’s fleet includes vehicles running on biodiesel and electric vehicles. Several units on campus have implemented a bicycle sharing program, as well as a loan program with a local bicycle shop. The university actively constructs and maintains pedestrian and bicycle paths, as well as bicycle lanes.
Endowment Transparency
A 
Open records law requires that proxy voting records and a list of endowment holdings be available to the public. This information is accessible via the web.
Investment Priorities
B 
The university aims to optimize investment return. Regent policy states, “For donors who place a high priority on socially responsible investing, use of special investment vehicles will be explored.”
Shareholder Engagement
B 
A member of the university administration determines proxy votes based on guidelines. The University of Wisconsin System Trust Funds consider social responsibility criteria in voting shareholder proxy proposals and seek student and public comment on issues of significant social concern.
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