Davidson College

Davidson recently hired its first full-time sustainability fellow and, in the spring of 2008, formed a new sustainability council to advise the college on matters related to sustainability. The college is a member of the Associated Colleges of the South's environmental initiative. Paper products used on campus are made from 100 percent recycled content.

Recent energy efficiency retrofits have included a $400,000 lighting project and a $14 million underground utility replacement project. The college has installed solar-powered parking lot lights. The Chill out for Energy campaign promotes energy conservation on campus.

Davidson serves fair trade coffee and uses fresh herbs grown on campus for catering. Reusable dishes are used in the main dining hall and the Cat’s CUPP program offers reusable cups as well as a discount to participants. The college partners with a local entrepreneur to recycle fryer oil into biodiesel and dining services began a composting program in 2007 with one of the residence halls.

The college is seeking LEED certification for the recent Duke Dormitory renovation and the new Cunningham Fine Arts facility. Energy-efficient equipment was purchased for the Vail Commons renovation project. Davidson’s facilities have also been retrofitted for water efficiency.

The Davidson chapter of the Environmental Action Coalition aims to uproot environmental injustices through action and education and runs an annual energy conservation competition. Another student group, Ecoteam, provides environmental education and outreach to local schools. There is also an Eco-House sustainability dorm and an environmentally themed community service program.

The college owns four hybrid vehicles. There is a free shuttle to local retail areas three days per week during the school year. Davidson is also serviced by the Charlotte Area Transit System, which includes routes throughout the Charlotte-Metro area. The college runs a shared bicycle program, as well. Roads were planned to run around the perimeter of the campus to encourage walking.

The college makes a list of endowment holdings available to the school community. Proxy voting records are made available to members of the school community, if request. This information is sent to individuals upon request.

The college aims to optimize investment return and is exploring, but not currently invested in, renewable energy funds or similar investment vehicles.

The college does not have the ability to vote most proxies, as most of the endowment is invested in mutual funds. In instances where the college is able to vote proxies, a member of the college administration determines proxy votes.