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November 2, 2009
Emory University, recognized for its sustainable efforts and development, was recently designated as the first certified college campus in the United States, under the Green Certification program by the Green Foodservice Alliance (GFA).
The GFA developed the criteria for the 'green' certification with assistance from Georgia State University's School of Hospitality. Together they developed the program that focuses on reducing waste on college campuses, in restaurants, and from other large venues like convention centers and business districts.
Criteria for Emory’s 'green' certification by GFA includes: recycling materials like aluminum and steel, glass, cardboard, glass, paper and plastics; used grease being repurposed for the local production of biodiesel; no polystyrene (Styrofoam) used in Emory Dining facilities -- if Emory uses polystyrene, a recyclable or compostable alternative is made available to users; and recycling companies must provide Emory with the tonnage of recycled products hauled away and Emory must report that tonnage to the GFA.
Emory has identified sustainability as a core value and has committed to purchasing 75% of its food from local or sustainable sources by 2015, as well as diverting 65 percent of overall waste and 95 percent of food waste from landfills by 2015.
"We are proud to be the first university to receive certification from the Green Foodservice Alliance for our dining waste recycling and composting efforts," said Emory's Director of Sustainability, Ciannat Howett. "Emory is committed to educating our students, faculty and staff about the social and environmental implications of their daily choices. This certification helps raise that awareness and advance all of the other sustainability practices on campus."
Earlier this year, the GFA also led the initiative to develop the southeast's and the nation's first Zero Waste Zone in downtown Atlanta's convention district. Zero Waste Zones are designed to reduce the environmental impact of waste in homes, workplaces and in the community.
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