Denison University

Denison University’s president appointed an environmental policy committee to guide decision making. Their policy created a standing committee on sustainability and a full-time sustainability coordinator position. The university also has a policy to purchase energy-efficient appliances and recycled paper.

Solar panels installed on the roof of the library produced 1,343.4 kilowatt-hours between August and December 2007. A student organization partnered with physical plant staff to host Energy Wars, where colleges competed to decrease energy usage on campus. Denison is planning a campus-wide energy conservation investigation and a fund has been created for these projects.

Dining services purchases some local and organic produce and exclusively organic milk. Resident dining locations use exclusively china and glassware. A discount is given on drinks purchased with a reusable mug. All preconsumer food waste is sent to the university's composting unit. Compost is used as fertilizer on campus.

The Denison Board of Trustees has adopted a green building policy mandating that all new construction and major renovations meet LEED Silver standards. Denison is undergoing its first major LEED-certified renovation, with anticipated completion in early 2009.

The Green Team runs compost and energy-conservation programs and collaborates with the Denison University Recycling Program and Fair Trade Alliance. Students participate in the Energy Wars competition to reduce energy consumption and may choose to reside at the Homestead, where they live off the energy grid, use biofuels for heat, produce some of their own food, and create a small amount of electricity from wind.

Denison's master plan ensures that the campus is pedestrian-friendly and easily walkable. Students are required to live in residence halls throughout their time at the university, eliminating the environmental impact of commuting. Shared van transportation is available for students to reach nearby shopping and entertainment venues.

Most of Denison’s endowment holdings are held in mutual funds and limited partnerships. Information on its fund holdings is available to trustees, senior administrators, and other select members of the school community. This information is available at the investment office

The university aims to optimize investment return and is currently invested in renewable energy funds.

Generally, the university does not have the ability to vote proxies, as most of the endowment is invested in mutual funds. The university has not made any public statements about active ownership or a proxy voting policy.