University of Maine
Endowment Value: $444.9 million (2021)
Founded in 1865, the University of Maine is the flagship campus of the University of Maine System. The University of Maine Foundation manages the University of Maine's endowment.
A recent change in the UMaine System's investment policy prioritizes environmental stewardship by taking ESG factors into consideration when managing investments in the Managed Investment Pool. The pool has a market value of $304 million and includes the system's endowment funds as well as funds held for foundations tied to the University of Maine at Fort Kent, University of Maine School of Law, and the University of Southern Maine. Currently, UMS conducts negative screening for coal. University of Maine requires that all consultants be a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). Consultants must take ESG factors into consideration when advising on asset allocation and manager selection.
Strategic investments in biomass energy systems using locally-sourced fuel at the University of Maine at Farmington and the University of Maine at Fort Kent have both reduced emissions and helped support job growth in the state's biomass industry. The universities also released a report that shows the seven-campus UMaine System has achieved a 34% decline in carbon emissions over the last decade.
The University of Maine is a participant or member of the following Initiatives & Commitments:
- IEN Founding Member (2016)
- AASHE STARS: Yes, silver
- ACUPCC: Yes, Carbon Neutral by 2040
- Billion Dollar Green Challenge: Yes
- CDP: No
- Committee on Investor Responsibility: No
- Divestment Goal: Yes, Coal Only
- INCR: No
- Montreal Carbon Pledge: No
- Sustainable Investment Fund: Yes, Green Loan Fund
- Sustainable Investment Policy: Yes
- Principles for Responsible Investment: No
Other Sustainable Practices and Resources: