Drexel University

A design and construction sustainability commitment and policy statement were instituted in late 2007. Drexel is transitioning from a paper-intensive model to an electronic-enabled and paperless model, thus reducing paper waste. The Drexel Sustainability Council has representatives from all administrative and academic units, which submit quarterly sustainability reports to the president.

Drexel has begun to assess its greenhouse gas emissions. Seventy-five percent of Drexel's buildings utilize building automation systems to control mechanical equipment, occupancy and lighting schedules, and temperature. Wind power purchases equal 10 percent of annual electricity usage.

Dining services purchases from ten local farms, contracts with a local dairy, and offers discounts for reusable mugs and bags. Drexel has installed solar-powered compactors that accept mixed paper and commingled aluminum, glass, and plastic, providing larger waste capacity and allowing for fewer collection trips.

Standard specifications that address construction waste management, water use, materials, and resources have been developed for all new projects. The student recreation center is designed to eliminate the need for electric lights during the day in 87 percent of interior occupied space, and the integrated science building will be designed to achieve LEED certification.

Drexel Green, the sustainability committee, began as a student-focused initiative. All committees, which now include faculty and staff, are chaired or cochaired by students. Drexel SmartHouse is a student-led project to construct an urban home to serve as a living laboratory for exploring sustainable design and technology.

Drexel's fleet includes six hybrids in addition to other electric vehicles. Students receive a 10 percent discount on public transit passes and the university has a partnership with a nonprofit car-sharing company. Drexel Bike Share rents bikes to university members at no cost.

The college makes a list of endowment holdings and its proxy voting record available to trustees, senior administrators, and other select members of the school community. Information on endowment holdings is available on a password-protected website. The proxy voting record is available at the investment office.

The university aims to optimize investment return, is invested in community development loan funds, and is exploring, but not currently invested in, renewable energy funds or similar investment vehicles

A committee of students, faculty, and trustees will begin making recommendations to the investment committee of the board of trustees on votes involving social issues in September 2008.