Climate Change, Divestment and Sustainability

In January, the Board of Trustees (BOT) called for University leadership to take three immediate actions in regards to climate change, divestment and sustainability. This was done in consultation with subject-area experts on campus as well as those who will be tasked with implementation. Over the course of the last four months, a working group developed a set of recommendations, which were approved by the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees on June 9, 2017. The four main recommendations are as follows:

• Statement of Commitment and Principles: On June 9^th, the BOT passed a Climate Change Resolution that resolves that the BOT supports and encourages actions that may subsequently be developed as a means of recognizing the importance of climate change and in the fulfillment of its role as an institution of higher learning committed to an extraordinary sustainability program that distinguishes the university while addressing climate change in a meaningful and on-going manner.
• Establishing a revolving “green fund” with increasing the fund through donor support to investigate new efforts related to sustainability in the operations of the University.
• Further investment in the University’s sustainability efforts, both financially and in terms of human capital that will include new organizational structures and reporting. This has led to the formation of a working group that engages staff whose role encompasses work on sustainability issues.
• Working with the Board of Trustees and investment managers to make available an alternative type of investment vehicle that may offer donors the ability to have their contributions invested in a manner that aligns with their social objectives regarding sustainability.