The University is becoming a lean, mean, green machine, according to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. University Dining Services and the University Housing Division are receiving recognition today of their acceptance into the Virginia Environmental Excellence program.
The program is open to entities including universities, cities, industries and other organizations, said Sharon Baxter, director of the DEQ Office of Pollution Prevention. In fact, the University is one of three Virginia universities involved with the program.
"We are trying to be a leader," University Management Systems coordinator Jess Wenger said. "It's quite a challenge, but we're showing that it is possible."
To be accepted into the program the facility must be committed to monitoring and improving environmental quality at the site and must present annual reports on its progress to the DEQ, according to Baxter.
This is not the first time a University department has been accepted into the program. According to Wenger, the University Department of Parking and Transportation was previously selected.
Wenger said the dining and housing departments were two of the University's priorities in increasing its environmental quality because of their significant role in student life.
According to Wenger, students may be familiar with some of the environmental initiatives, such as "Trayless Tuesdays" and recycling bins in the dining halls. The Housing Department is also installing energy efficient equipment. All of the initiatives are aimed at reaching goals including the reduction of energy and water usage as well as waste.
"We are trying to find all the little things we can do," Wenger said.
The University plans to gradually bring each of its departments into the program. The next priorities are the Business Operations and Facilities Management departments, Wenger said.
"My office is working to implement the program to the entire University," Wenger said.
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