University of Connecticut–Storrs

College Sustainability Report Card 2010

UConn adopted an environmental policy in 2004 and includes sustainability in its master plan and strategic plan. A green purchasing policy mandates the purchase of energy-efficient electronics, recycled paper, and green cleaning products. The Office of Environmental Policy (OEP) employs two full-time and two half-time staff members. The Environmental Literacy Workgroup, a subcommittee of the 25-member Environmental Council, helped create EcoHouse, a new residential community.

The university has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The OEP runs a program to help departments and offices on campus evaluate their environmental footprints and reduce energy use. A cogeneration plant meets most of the campus's heating and cooling needs, and systems are continually tuned up for efficiency.

All but one of UConn's dining units are trayless. Dining spends more than 3 percent of its budget on foods grown or produced within 60 miles of the campus in addition to purchasing organic produce. There are composting programs in a third of dining locations and, this fall, UConn is constructing a $700,000 compost facility for agricultural waste.

UConn has set LEED Silver as a minimum standard for all new construction and major renovation projects. There are two LEED-certified buildings and several LEED-registered projects on campus. Showerheads, faucets, and washing machines have been upgraded to more efficient models for all student housing. The university has installed water-efficient irrigation systems at some athletic fields.

The EcoHouse residential learning community opened in fall 2009, and the OEP employs six students as sustainability interns. The EcoHusky student group educates the community about environmental issues and sponsors a campus-wide Green Week and Earth Day celebration. The EcoGarden Club tends to an on-campus organic garden and raises awareness about local and organic foods. The Eco Madness inter-dorm competition promotes water and energy conservation.

All members of the UConn community have free access to the university’s shuttle bus system, which runs six routes on and around campus and utilizes a blended biodiesel fuel produced from the campus's waste cooking oil. A student-designed bicycle network plan has resulted in additional bike lanes and storage racks. UConn works with the town to ensure connectivity of campus and town bike lanes, hiking trails, and pedestrian walkways.

The foundation makes a list of all holdings available only to members of the foundation board of directors and senior management. Shareholder voting records for commingled funds are made available at the investment office.

The foundation aims to optimize investment return and is currently invested in renewable energy funds. The foundation also invests in a natural resources manager that focuses on green technologies.

The foundation does not have the ability to vote proxies, as the entire endowment is invested in commingled products including mutual funds.