Cornell University
PAE-18: Positive Sustainability Investments

Institution invests in any of the following:

• Sustainable industries, such as renewable energy or sustainable forestry
• Businesses selected for exemplary sustainability performances
• Sustainability investment funds, such as a renewable energy investment fund
• Community development financial institutions (CDFI)
• Socially responsible mutual funds with positive screens. 

Investment in a socially responsible mutual fund with only negative screens (i.e. one that excludes egregious offenders or certain industries, such as tobacco or weapons manufacturing) does not count for this credit. 

Institutions for which investments are handled by the university system and/or a separate foundation of the institution should report on the investment policies and activities of those entities. 

This credit applies to institutions with endowments of US $1 million or larger.  Institutions with endowments less than US $1 million may choose to omit this credit.

Institutions earn the maximum of 9 points available for this credit by investing 30 percent or more of their investment pool in one of the ways outlined above.  Incremental points are available based on the percentage of the investments that meet one or more criteria outlined above.  For example, an institution where 15 percent of investments were held in a CDFI would earn 4.5 points (half of the points available for this credit).  

Timeframe

Report on a snapshot of the institution’s investment portfolio taken within the past three years. 

Sampling and Data Standards

Report on a snapshot of the entire investment portfolio.  Reporting on a sample of the endowment or a special fund of the endowment is not allowed for this credit.  Institutions should strive to report on a representative snapshot.