University of Louisville

President Ramsey signed the Presidents Climate Commitment. The university is working with other local constituencies to create a joint sustainability plan. The university has a comprehensive green purchasing policy that includes construction materials, furnishings, and office electronics.

The University of Louisville is performing energy audits and drafting an energy policy. The university is testing solar panels, parabolic lighting systems, and heat-collecting windows. Efficiency upgrades such as replacing several boilers, installing motion sensors, new chillers, and efficient lighting have reduced campus energy use.

The university offers several organic options, obtained from a distributor who uses solar power and biodiesel delivery vehicles. Forty-two percent of the produce, bread, and milk purchased is from local sources. Recycling includes construction debris, electronics, appliances, mercury, motor oil, and tires. Landscaping waste is composted, and dining services is planning a food waste composting program.

Louisville has a green building policy requiring all new construction and major renovations to target LEED Silver standards; this currently includes two construction and three renovation projects. All university demolition projects start with deconstruction and materials reclamation to reduce waste.

Based on student recommendations, the university is integrating sustainability education into the freshman orientation program, and the student paper will run a series of articles educating students on sustainability. Student organizations organize campus sustainability projects.

A new campus master plan will include a sustainable and environmentally responsible growth plan. The university is also working with city transit authorities to analyze ridership and create new park-and-ride facilities for university-bound commuters. There is a free shuttle and students, faculty, and staff receive free transit passes for city buses. Many safety officers patrol by foot, bike or Segway.

The university makes a list of endowment holdings and its shareholder voting record available to the public as per open records laws. This information is distributed upon request.

The university aims to optimize investment return and is also invested in community development financial institutions or loan funds on a very small scale.

For managed portfolios, the university asks that its investment managers handle the details of proxy voting. For direct investments, a member of the university administration determines the university's proxy votes.