Dear Kenyon College community,
As world leaders gather in Glasgow, Scotland, for the COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Kenyon is moving forward on the College’s own sustainability goals. This effort aligns with a key element of the “Foundations for Kenyon’s Third Century” strategic plan, released earlier this year, to “position all of [Kenyon’s] students to construct more sustainable communities and futures” by “committing to integrating environmental stewardship into the curriculum, campus operations and campus culture.”
Over the past year, the College has articulated and adopted a set of values that affirms that the Kenyon community will “embrace environmental stewardship as a core value that guides us in all we do” and “make choices that promote the sustainable and just use of resources.” This sustainability statement was developed in collaboration with the Sustainability Steering Committee, with input from students, faculty, staff and trustees.
The sustainability statement articulates a vision for how decisions across key areas of operation — education, campus culture, stewardship and investment — will be informed by these values. I am pleased to report on several initiatives that begin to realize that vision.
As the bulk of the College’s contribution to climate change comes from travel, purchasing and the built environment, it is important that we take every opportunity to prioritize renewable energy, building efficiency and climate-neutral travel. Although most electricity production in Ohio stems from natural gas and coal, Kenyon now owns renewable energy credits (RECs), which cover 100% of the College’s annual electricity consumption and directly fund a large photovoltaic (solar) electricity generation development in Texas. Until on-site renewables are viable for Kenyon, purchasing renewable energy credits is how we can have the greatest impact. It incentivizes the further development of solar energy by increasing its economic value and assisting with the financing of solar technology.
These priorities are also guiding new construction. The recently opened Chalmers Library is the first large-scale campus building to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification. The new library is significantly more energy efficient than its predecessor, with features including a rainwater harvesting cistern, increased use of natural daylight, low-flow plumbing fixtures to reduce water consumption, and shower rooms to allow building occupants to bike or jog to and from work in lieu of driving.
Finally, they are informing our investment strategy. Kenyon has decided to refrain from new commitments in specialized private investment funds that focus on fossil fuels. With this strategy, the College expects that less than 1% of Kenyon’s endowment portfolio will be invested in fossil fuels by 2030. This strategy is prudent with respect to long-term financial risk and is not expected to negatively impact the performance of the endowment. Kenyon uses, and will continue to use, rigorous environmental, social and governance (ESG) measures alongside other performance measures when evaluating new investment opportunities and fund managers. Kenyon seeks to invest in opportunities that aim to have a measurable, positive impact on the environment and society while generating strong investment returns.
Over the coming year, Vice President for Facilities, Planning and Sustainability Ian Smith will work with the Sustainability Steering Committee and others to develop detailed plans on how environmental stewardship can be interwoven throughout our academic program, campus culture and built environment. The first detailed guidelines, with specific measurable goals and timelines toward climate neutrality, will be produced by 2022 and will be reassessed every third year.
In many ways, climate change is the issue of our lifetimes. Educational institutions have a special responsibility to model the structural and cultural changes required to meet this moment. I am proud of the steps Kenyon is taking to do so.
Sincerely,