Bryn Mawr College

Former President Vickers signed the Presidents Climate Commitment, and the college also has a Green Plan that details principles for making environmentally sustainable decisions. The Campus Planning Committee, composed of administrators, faculty, staff, and students, handles sustainability issues.

In addition to committing to carbon neutrality in the long term, the college utilizes a computerized energy management system and has performed some efficiency upgrades to lighting systems. The school purchases Energy Star appliances when available.

Dining services purchases from three local producers, including a dairy. Various organic items, such as produce, milk, and bread, are served. Exclusively fair trade coffee is available on campus. Biodegradable containers are used for take-out service and beverages are free or discounted with a reusable cup or mug. The college runs a standard recycling program and composts grounds waste, but not food scraps.

Although the college has a stated goal for all new construction to meet LEED Silver specifications or higher, it currently does not have any projects registered with the US Green Building Council.

BMC Greens, a student environmental organization, organizes Earth Day and other events. One World works to promote social justice and environmental issues and helped introduce fair trade coffee on campus. The Batten House Co-op is an on-campus environmental residence.

The college operates a shuttle to the local Amtrak station, Haverford College, and Swarthmore College. Bryn Mawr promotes the Philadelphia rideshare program. Parking is limited to discourage student vehicle ownership.

The college makes a list of endowment holdings available to trustees, senior administrators, and other select members of the school community. Information on proxy voting records is available to all members of the school community at the investment office.

The college aims to optimize its investment return and is currently invested in renewable energy funds. All decisions on investment managers include a discussion of environmental and social issues.

A committee of administrators and/or trustees deliberates and makes decisions on proxy votes.