SUSTAINABILITY YSU’s rating

Youngstown State University got low marks on the College Sustainability Report Card 2009 for its use of resources while preserving the environment for future generations. Here’s a look at YSU’s “grades,” with report card notations in parentheses:

Administration: D. (There is no known policy related to campuswide sustainability. YSU does employ a recycling program and re:CREATE program managers.)

Climate change and energy: D. (In 2005, YSU entered into a 10-year program to reduce energy costs by $13 million over that period.)

Food and recycling: D. (YSU has an active waste reduction program with a goal of achieving a 40 percent landfill waste diversion rate this year.)

Green building: D. (The proposed new Williamson building will seek LEED certification for energy use and efficiency.)

Student involvement: C. (The re:CREATE environmental reuse program is run by students and the YSU Green Team made up of students, faculty and staff seeking to prioritize sustainability and resource conservation.)

Transportation: D. (YSU recently added several electric vehicles to the campus fleet.)

Endowment transparency: F. (No list of endowment holdings or shareholder voting is made public.)

Investment priorities: C. (The university aims to optimize investment return and doesn’t invest in renewable energy funds or community development loan funds.)

Shareholder engagement: D. (A member of the university administration determines proxy votes.)

Overall grade: D.

Source: College Sustainability Report Card