1. Establish a policy that all new campus construction will be built to at least the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver standard or equivalent.

Yes: The Loras College Sustainability Committee (hereafter, "LCSC") submitted a comprehensive set of recommendations to the President of Loras College, among which was the following: "Adopt a college-wide policy that the design and building of all new construction and major renovation projects on campus will be done according to the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental design (LEED) criteria."

2. Adopt an energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy requiring purchase of ENERGY STAR certified products in all areas for which such ratings exist.

Yes: The LCSC submitted a comprehensive set of recommendations to the President of Loras College, among which was the following: "purchase Energy Star appliances and electronics, whenever possible."

3. Establish a policy of offsetting all greenhouse gas emissions generated by air travel paid for by our institution.

No: No information provided.

4. Encourage use of and provide access to public transportation for all faculty, staff, students and visitors at our institution.

Yes: The LCSC submitted a comprehensive set of recommendations to the President of Loras College, among which were the following recommendations, one of whose goals is to encourage use of public transportation: "implement a car-pooling/ride-sharing program for students, faculty, and staff," "increase the number of bike racks on campus," and "implement an incentive program for students, faculty, and staff to limit their vehicle use on campus"

5. Within one year of signing this document, begin purchasing or producing at least 15% of our institution's electricity consumption from renewable sources.

Yes: The LCSC submitted a comprehensive set of recommendations to the President of Loras College, among which was the following: "heat and cool all new buildings with geothermal systems." Loras College already heats and cools two of its newer buildings (i.e., the Academic Resource Center and the Athletic Wellness Center) with geothermal systems.

6. Establish a policy or a committee that supports climate and sustainability shareholder proposals at companies where our institution's endowment is invested.

Yes: The LCSC submitted a comprehensive set of recommendations to the President of Loras College, among which was the following: "establish a Campus Sustainability Coordinator position and/or embed responsibilities into current positions in appropriate departments that will oversee education and implementation of campus environmental stewardship practices." It is anticipated that one of the duties of the person hired to fill this position will be to support and evaluate climate and sustainability proposals by companies in whom the Loras endowment holds investements.

7. Participate in the Waste Minimization component of the national RecycleMania competition, and adopt 3 or more associated measures to reduce waste.

Yes: For the past three years (i.e., 2008 - 2010) Loras has participated in the national RecycleMania competition. In addition, the LCSC submitted a comprehensive set of recommendations to the President of Loras College, among which were the following:
"distribute an adequate number of waste containers and recycling bins around campus, including all residence halls," "recycle all electronics and appliances," "install one additional recycling dumpster on campus," "eliminate the use of Styrofoam and non-recyclable plastics (i.e., #6) on campus," "eliminate inkjet printers on campus," "reuse or recycle laser printer cartridges," "implement education program regarding waste reduction and recycling, beginning with the student’s first contact with Loras (i.e., during Summer registration, followed by Launch into Loras)," "encourage the sale or donation (at a “Campus Cleanout” event held at the end of each school year) of good re-usable student items," "increase the use of reusable materials and packaging and, if not possible, use recyclable materials and packaging instead of throwaways," "evaluate waste reduction policies for effectiveness," "continue and strengthen the college’s mutually beneficial relationship with Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA) and Dubuque County Environmental Task Force (DCET), whose purpose is the improvement of solid waste minimization and toxic reduction throughout Dubuque and Delaware counties. The college should continue to fulfill the following obligations which flow from this relationship and agreement: participate in strategic planning for public education, waste minimization and HHMRCC outreach with the other parties; interview, hire and establish compensation for Education and Communication Coordinator based on recommendations from the parties and salary range determined by DMASWA; maintain a program office on the Loras College campus; identify, interview, and hire suitable Loras College students for DMASWA paid internships and other volunteer opportunities; evaluate the training received, the work experience and accomplishments of the Loras College interns in conjunction with the Education and Communication Coordinator; receive and disburse funds from DMASWA for administrative support and the services of Loras employees (Education and Communication Coordinator and paid interns); and work to facilitate the mutually beneficial involvement of other interested Loras College departments in the agreement."