Emory University

Sustainability is a priority component of the Emory University’s strategic plan and campus master plan. In 2005, the university created a sustainability advisory committee and, in 2006, adopted a sustainability vision, which sets goals such as a 25 percent energy reduction from 2005 levels by 2015. The Office of Sustainability is headed by a director and program assistant, with two part-time faculty liaisons.

The university has completed its first solar array on campus as part of the construction of two new freshmen residence halls. Solar panels on shuttle bus stops will power the shuttle information boards. Emory is developing a comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions inventory that will go beyond just carbon dioxide. The university is also completing energy audits to identify possible efficiency upgrades to a million square feet of existing building space.

Emory purchases local and organic items through their supplier and has a goal of attaining 75 percent of their food from local or sustainable sources by 2015. In February 2008, the Sustainability Committee developed sustainability guidelines for food service purchasing. Dining services has created several food-related sustainability positions, including a dining sustainability director, sustainable food educator, and a farmer liaison. In fall 2008, dining services will feature an incentive program for students using reusable to-go containers.

All university construction projects must meet LEED Silver criteria. Emory has six buildings with LEED certification and 11 buildings LEED registered. LEED Silver-certified Turman Residence Hall opened in August 2007. Few & Evans residence halls, registered for LEED Gold, opened in August 2008 and feature dual flush toilets that use collected rainwater.

Undergraduate and graduate students serve as interns in the Office of Sustainability. Emory has integrated sustainability into orientation for all first-year students, supplying a reusable grocery tote, refillable water bottle, and compact fluorescent lightbulb to each incoming student. Emory also sponsors energy competitions.

Emory provides free public transit passes to employees. Emory's shuttle bus is free and entirely alternatively fueled. The Bike Emory campaign offers discounts on bikes and equipment.

The university makes its proxy voting record and a list of endowment holdings available to all members of the school community, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni.

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

The university asks that its investment managers handle the details of proxy voting.