Vanderbilt Operational Sustainability Accomplishments

Many campus sustainability programs across the country began with student-initiated, grass root efforts regarding recycling. In regards to Vanderbilt's recycling programs, there are misconceptions on campus that we do not do much in this area. The fact is many initiatives have been underway for years. Paper, aluminum, plastic, cardboard, and printer paper are recycled by Plant Operations from administrative and academic areas on campus while various student groups, including Students Promoting Environmental Awareness and Recycling (SPEAR) and WilSkills, collect these recyclable materials from residential areas. During 2005, these efforts resulted in the recycling of 41 tons of mixed paper, 71 tons of cardboard, and 42 tons of printer by-products.

Other recycling initiatives on campus include:

• Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) School of Medicine launched a news paper and aluminum can recycling program with the advocacy of the VUMC Cares student group in Fall 2006.
• Vanderbilt Environmental Health and Safety (VEHS) assisted in the development and implementation of a campus-wide computer and electronics recycling program launched in 2000. This program recycles almost 50,000 pounds of computers and various electronics annually.
• Vanderbilt University (VU) contracts for confidential paper recycling in most offices across campus.
• Fluorescent light bulbs, large batteries, and some metals are also recycled by both Plant Operations for campus and Plant Services for VUMC.
• VEHS developed a Chemical Redistribution program in 1999 to promote the redistribution of virgin chemicals and redirect them from the hazardous waste stream.
• Vanderbilt has hosted the Dell Computer Corporation Community Computer Recycling Day for the past two years where over 170 tons of computer equipment has been recycled. Mayor Purcell was very complimentary of Vanderbilt's participation in this community-wide event.
• VU Plant Operations manages the annual "Earth Friendly Move Out" program. At the end of each academic year for a period of two weeks, Plant Operations partners with non-profit organizations, most recently the Salvation Army, to provide students a means to donate personal items to those less fortunate. Over 500 items at a value of more than $200,000 are donated each year by students and by university staff and faculty that also take advantage of this great opportunity. This initiative was recognized with the 2005 Green Schools Award for Recycling.
• During the Fall student move-in period for the past three years, VU Plant Operations and the SPEAR undergraduate group have worked together to recycle cardboard packaging materials. Plant Operations strategically places 30 yard collection containers throughout the residential areas for two weeks during move-in while SPEAR provides a "cardboard crew" that works alongside Plant Operations Grounds Shop crews to collect and break down the collected cardboard material for recycling. This past year, 14 tons of cardboard were collected through this effort.

In 2005, a group of institution-wide stakeholders created a VU Safety, Health and Environmental Protection policy and commitment statement for Vanderbilt University. The commitment statement defines Vanderbilt's role in reducing pollution, empowering our faculty, staff, and students to demonstrate individual and institutional leadership in all matters pertaining to safety, health and environmental protection, and instilling the values of environmental stewardship and conservation of resources in our future leaders. This policy and commitment statement was approved by the Environmental Health and Safety Oversight Committee (EHSOC) in February 2005.

Compliance with environmental laws and regulations lays the foundation for a robust sustainability program. In November 2005, Vanderbilt was inspected by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Tennessee Department of the Environment and Conservation for compliance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Not only was Vanderbilt found to be in compliance, we were complimented by our regulators as having a premiere program in this area.

Operationally, Vanderbilt has many established programs to make the campus more sustainable. In 2006, Vanderbilt University was the first university in Tennessee to be designated by the EPA as a Best Workplace for Commuters. This designation was a direct result of collective efforts of many on campus to develop programs such as the Vandy/MTA Free Ride to Work Program, the FlexPool parking program, the Human Resource Alternative Work Arrangements policy, and our Vanderbilt Valet and HealthPlus services. As a result of these programs, Vanderbilt was the recipient of the 2006 Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award in the Pollution Prevention Category. Vanderbilt received a great deal of positive publicity from this state-wide recognition.

While much needs to be done (you can help), the university has already made significant progress with the following programs:

• Commitment to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for our new freshmen Commons residences and Dining Hall being managed by Campus Planning. The goal is to have 7 LEED certified buildings on campus by 2008.
• Dining Services development of the "Eat the World/Save the Earth" program and of the Nectar Natural Food Store on campus;
• Plant Operations and VUMC Plant Services launch of energy efficiencies upgrade and improvement programs.

Sustainability at Vanderbilt University

Brief Overview of Vanderbilt Academic Activities Related to Sustainability

Brief Overview of Vanderbilt Student Activities Related to Sustainability

The Future of Sustainability at Vanderbilt