Arizona State University–Tempe

College Sustainability Report Card 2011

Arizona State's Carbon Neutrality Action Plan outlines initiatives to reduce energy and water use as well as solid waste. The Sustainability Practices Network and the Global Institute of Sustainability include more than 100 staff members who work on environmental initiatives. ASU has a green purchasing policy and buys environmentally preferable paper products and Energy Star- and EPEAT-certified products whenever possible.

ASU has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 74 percent from 2006 levels by 2025. Energy efficiency technologies, such as heat recovery systems, have been installed across campus. The school runs awareness campaigns to reduce energy use and has installed a photovoltaic array to generate renewable energy.

ASU spends 15 percent of its food budget on local products and sources oranges, dates, and herbs from an on-campus farm. The dining halls serve some vegetarian-fed meat, hormone- and antibiotic-free chicken and milk, and only purchase seafood according to sustainability guidelines. The university offers discounts for the use of reusable bags and mugs, and dining services went trayless in 2008. ASU recycles standard materials and electronics, and collects unwanted items at move-out.

All new construction at ASU must meet LEED Silver specifications. Thirty-two buildings on campus are LEED certified, and two others meet LEED criteria. Water conservation technologies, such as dual-flush toilets, have been installed across campus, and living roofs are used for stormwater management.

The School of Sustainability houses 45 first-year students, and the Sustainability House at Barrett is home to 200. New students are introduced to sustainability through an orientation presentation, and the school employs numerous student sustainability interns and eco-reps. Students take part in three eco-competitions each year, including RecycleMania and the Solar Decathlon, and several student groups coordinate campus sustainability programming.

Over half of all students commute to campus via alternative transportation methods. The university offers preferred parking and ride-matching to carpoolers, provides discounts on public transportation, and operates a shuttle around and between campuses. ASU runs a bike-sharing program and repair service and also partners with a car-sharing program. The campus motor fleet includes electric, hybrid, ethanol, and compressed natural gas vehicles.

ASU makes all holdings available online to the public per open records law. The ASU Foundation makes all holdings available only to trustees, senior administrators, and other select members of the school community.

ASU aims to optimize investment returns and does not invest in renewable energy funds or community development loan funds. The ASU Foundation utilizes some investment managers that have an allocation to investments that take environmental factors into consideration.

ASU and the ASU Foundation do not have the ability to vote proxies, as the entire endowment is invested in mutual funds or other commingled funds.