University of Maryland–College Park

President Mote signed the Presidents Climate Commitment in 2007, and the University of Maryland adopted its own environmental stewardship guidelines in 2005. The flagship campus has three full-time sustainability administrators. A university strategic plan with environmental stewardship components was approved in 2008 and the school is preparing to release its second Campus Sustainability Report self-assessment.

A Climate Action Plan work group has met since 2007 to guide the university's emissions mitigation strategies. The campus's heat and power are provided by an Energy Star cogeneration plant, and many efficiency upgrades have been performed. The university is also working to identify on-campus sites for renewable energy projects.

Dining services sources from a local dairy and provides some local and organic products. Approximately 19 tons of pre- and postconsumer food waste is composted each month, and the recycling program diverts more than 50 percent of the waste stream and accepts paper, glass, metal, ink cartridges, batteries, tires, grease, electronics, and fluorescent light tubes.

UMD's environmental stewardship guidelines require new construction and major renovation projects to meet at least LEED Silver criteria. Knight Hall, which will open in 2009, will be LEED-certified.

The sustainability office hires interns to conduct research and develop sustainability programs. This fall, Student Sustainability Advisers will visit freshmen classes to talk about how sustainability affects students’ studies and future career choices. There are seven student environmental organizations on campus.

The university runs biodiesel shuttle buses equipped with bike racks. A car-share is available on campus, and carpool commuters receive parking incentives. UMD has a full-service bike shop and recently completed a campus bicycle plan.

The university makes neither a list of endowment holdings nor its shareholder voting record public. This information is available through the investment office only to trustees and senior administrators.

The university aims to optimize investment return and does not invest in renewable energy funds or community development loan funds.

The university does not have the ability to vote proxies, as the entire endowment is invested in mutual funds.