Waste & Recycling
Engineering team looks at recycled glass to improve building materials, protect environment
Apr. 27, 2022—A Vanderbilt University professor and two undergraduate students in the School of Engineering are participating in an innovative research project that aims to use recycled glass to enhance building materials and infrastructure as well as reduce waste. Emily Zeller and Nicole Witherell Juniors Emily Zeller and Nicole Witherell, both civil engineering majors, and research adviser...
Campus Dining returns to reusable cups, plates, utensils
Mar. 23, 2022—In response to COVID-19, Campus Dining implemented a number of safety protocols beginning in March 2020 including a shift to disposable, compostable drinkware and cutlery and to-go containers only. In coordination with university health and safety leaders, Campus Dining announces a return to reusable cups, plates and utensils in its dining halls, effective March 25....
Vanderbilt Printing Services earns Forest Stewardship Council certification
Feb. 11, 2022—Vanderbilt University Printing Services has earned Forest Stewardship Council certification for the university’s in-house printing operation. This certification enables Printing Services to affix the FSC® checkmark logo to printed documents and publications, certifying that the paper used was sustainably sourced from well-managed forests. In order to produce an FSC-certified publication, special chain-of-custody protocols must be followed...
Sustainability, inclusion advancements highlighted in FutureVU FY2021 Progress Report
Dec. 1, 2021—Written by Shelby Pendowski Vanderbilt University made significant strides during FY2021 in sustainable building and landscape projects, accessibility improvements and transportation and mobility initiatives, even through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sustainability was a key area of focus, with many initiatives launching throughout the year. Vanderbilt University announced a collaboration with the nonprofit organization Climate Vault...
Vanderbilt eliminates single-use plastic bottles at athletics venues
Nov. 19, 2021—Vanderbilt University continues to make significant progress in reducing its overall environmental impact, recently eliminating single-use plastic bottles at all athletics venues across campus. This bold step is the latest in a series of waste-reduction initiatives as part of Vanderbilt Campus Dining’s “No More Plastic” campaign. Initially launched in 2019, this effort eliminated single-use plastic water...
Vanderbilt to host Oct. 15 cooking demonstration to shed light on food waste
Oct. 8, 2021—An estimated 40 percent of food produced annually in the United States goes uneaten while more than 10 percent of Americans are food insecure. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, food is the nation’s single largest category of material placed in municipal landfills, where it emits methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. As part of its commitment...
Vanderbilt announces PepsiCo as new beverage provider to help reach sustainability goals
Jul. 31, 2020—Vanderbilt University has announced PepsiCo as its official beverage provider for its campus dining operations and vending locations. The new agreement will provide the entire university community with PepsiCo’s broad portfolio of beverages, including Pepsi, Gatorade, Pure Leaf iced tea, Mountain Dew, Starbucks ready-to-drink coffee, STUBBORN craft soda and more. Vanderbilt will also offer other...
Annual report on campus sustainability efforts now available
Jan. 20, 2020—Vanderbilt University greenhouse gas emissions have dropped 7 percent per square foot compared to FY17-18, and 18.5 percent compared to CY16. The finding is among those showcased in the annual sustainability report released today by FutureVU Sustainability in the Division of Administration. “The achievements highlighted in this report reflect the work of hundreds of faculty, staff and students in...
Join FutureVU Sustainability Leaders and help foster a sustainable campus
Jan. 15, 2020—As part of Vanderbilt’s commitment to achieving zero waste by the year 2030, the Sustainability and Environmental Management Office is launching a new program—Sustainability Leaders—to improve sustainability outcomes on campus through culture change, education and the facilitation of actionable goals. Sustainability Leaders will act as peer mentors to foster a community that raises awareness of...
Vanderbilt University commits to achieving zero waste goal by 2030
Jan. 13, 2020—Vanderbilt has announced its commitment to achieving zero waste by the year 2030 as part of the university’s comprehensive long-term strategy to significantly reduce its environmental footprint and drive positive change in the world. Zero waste is defined as a 90% diversion rate from the landfill, acknowledging that no institution is completely waste-free. Vanderbilt additionally has...