University of Virginia

In 2007, UVa issued a comprehensive report on sustainability initiatives to establish a baseline and help develop a plan for future programs. The Office of the University Architect chairs a sustainability advisory panel that has become a presidential committee. The university recently created three sustainability positions to oversee specific sustainability initiatives on campus.

In 2008, UVa completed a comprehensive carbon emissions inventory. The university has made a concerted effort toward energy conservation in its buildings, including specific goals for reducing heating, cooling, electricity, and water usage that are reviewed and documented annually. Of the campus's lighting systems, 90 percent have been retrofitted with energy-efficient models.

In 2007, 11.4 percent of the university's food purchases were sustainable, as defined by the UVa Green Dining Coalition, which includes all products that are grown locally, organically, humanely, or are fairly traded. All dining room to-go containers are biodegradable. UVa runs a comprehensive recycling program and a composting program will be launched in fall 2008.

The university has guidelines for sustainable buildings and environmental design, which establish a sustainable approach to campus planning and resource management. In January 2007, the board of visitors committed to seeking LEED certification for all new construction and renovations. UVa currently has 24 projects seeking LEED certification.

There are multiple active student organizations focused on sustainable operational and educational initiatives at UVa. Students serve in each residence hall as part of the Conservation Advocacy Program. Energy conservation, recycling, and sustainability are part of student orientation. In 2008, students ran an energy challenge in two first-year residential colleges.

UVa offers a free bus service that uses 20 percent biodiesel fuel, free access to the local municipal transit service, and has developed a bike and transportation SMART map. A car-sharing service and carpooling program will be established on campus by fall 2008. The Grounds Improvement Fund assists in funding improvements to support multi-modal usage of the grounds.

The University of Virginia Management Company (UVIMCO) makes information about both endowment holdings and proxy voting records available only to the UVIMCO board, including trustees and administrators.

UVIMCO aims to optimize investment return and is currently invested in renewable energy and clean technology funds.

The UVIMCO Investment Committee, consisting of administrators and trustees, deliberates and makes decisions on proxy votes, in accordance with their proxy voting policy.