Reed College

Reed is committed to environmental stewardship and strives to incorporate ideals of sustainability into campus operations. The sustainability committee is comprised of students and faculty. The facilities, residence life, and environmental health and safety departments work together to address sustainability.

A student conducted a study of carbon emissions on campus. Investments in energy-efficient appliances have been made, as well as lighting retrofits throughout campus. Reed is currently investigating options for integrating solar energy.

Dining services sources food from between 8 and 12 local farms, including a local dairy. Fair trade coffee, local organic produce, and organic meats are offered on campus. Biodegradable to-go plates are available and students receive a discount for bringing a reusable cup. Reed has a comprehensive recycling program that also accepts computers and batteries, and dining services composts food waste and donates leftovers to local food kitchens.

The facilities master plan incorporates LEED criteria into its building guidelines. This year, four new LEED-certified residence halls will open. Construction includes green features, such as landscaping that filters storm water runoff and ventilation stacks that will cool buildings naturally. Low-volume showerheads and low-flush toilets have been installed to save water.

During orientation, an optional program focuses on cycling and sustainability; students bike to sites to support community efforts that foster sustainability. Students also have the option of living in a sustainability-themed residence. The student group Greenboard hosts events like Canyon Day and works on other conservation projects.

The college supports the use of public transit by providing subsidized bus passes for faculty, students, and staff. Biodiesel tractors and electric maintenance vehicles are utilized by facilities staff. Biking is encouraged through the student-run Bike Co-op, as well as by abundant bike racks. A pedestrian bridge is being construction to facilitate a walkable campus.

The college makes a list of endowment holdings and its shareholder voting record available to all members of the campus community through the investment office.

The college aims to optimize investment return and has not made any public statements about investigating or investing in renewable energy funds or community development loan funds.

The college does not typically vote proxies unless an investment will be impacted directly.