Villanova University
Endowment Value: $1.12 billion (2021)
Villanova University is a private research university located in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania. Founded by the Order of Saint Augustine in 1842, VU is the oldest Catholic university in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It has a student body of approximately 6,800 students.
In 2007, Villanova President Rev. Peter Donohue signed the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), vowing that Villanova would achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. To achieve this, Villanova will invest in improving campus infrastructure efficiency, purchasing carbon offsets, and financing renewable energy for Villanova’s campus. In April 2014, Villanova signed the St. Francis Pledge, committing the University to protect the Earth and to advocate on behalf of people in poverty who face the most severe impacts of global climate change.
In January 2019, over 200 students and faculty held a town hall meeting to discuss the issue of climate change. Proposals at the meeting included hiring new personnel to focus on climate change, moving the carbon neutrality goal to 2030, creating a new Center for Sustainability, and divesting from fossil fuels.
Villanova has a Committee on Social Responsibility Proxy Votes (CSRPV) that is composed of faculty, student, and staff representatives. The CSRPV conducts its activities in accordance with the investment guidelines issued by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CSRPV guides Villanova in exercising its rights as a shareholder to vote in a socially responsible manner.
Villanova’s School of Business is home to the first socially responsible student-managed fund in the country.
Villanova University is a participant or member of the following Initiatives & Commitments:
- IEN Member (2016)
- AASHE STARS: Yes, Silver
- ACUPCC: Yes, Carbon Neutral by 2050
- Billion Dollar Green Challenge: No
- CDP: No
- Committee on Investor Responsibility: Yes
- Divestment Goal: No
- INCR: No
- Montreal Carbon Pledge: No
- Sustainable Investment Fund: Yes
- Sustainable Investment Policy: No
- Principles for Responsible Investment: No
Other Sustainable Investing Practices and Resources: