Sustainability
Conscious of the role and responsibility in developing and leading social and economical changes, Food Services of the University of Ottawa have made important changes in order to help make the Campus a greener place. Food Services recognizes that it plays a large, leading role in the University's population and must contribute and aid in doing what is best for the community and ultimately, the planet.
Many small changes makes a very BIG difference when it comes to sustainability!
SOME OF OUR CAMPUS INITIATIVES!
Recycling
- We have a composting project for the kitchen waste from the main commissary in the University Centre;
- We use paper napkins made from 100% chlorine free recycled paper in all food service locations;
- We have taken measures to eliminate all Styrofoam takeout containers and replaced them with reusable, recyclable or biodegradable containers in all their food services outlets;
- Cups and covers used in our food service locations are made of recycled and recyclable materials;
- A discount on coffee is offered when using a reusable mug in all our food service locations;
- All cardboard and glass containers used in the main kitchen at the University Centre and at S.I.T.E. are being recycled;
- In both food fairs, tin containers are being recycled;
- Cooking oil from the University Centre and S.I.T.E. are recycled;
- Waste Reduction Week
Waste Reduction Week is celebrated every year to raise awareness about the environmental and economic impacts of waste generation. It is a great opportunity to look for ways to maximize the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) at home and on campus!
Look out for more information in our dining facilities to find out how you can help reduce our environmental footprint!
More than 50 tons of materials are diverted from landfill sites each year. With the recent renovation of the University Centre kitchen a new electric compost system was added to improve our recycling performance.
Energy
- We have installed a new commercial dishwasher in the kitchen designed to radically reduce water usage.
- We have implemented energy saving measures in all new construction including new equipment.
- We have purchased energy saving equipment installed in the main kitchen in the University Centre, during the summer renovations in 2009).
- We have installed new napkin dispenser to eliminate spoilage. The consumption reduction is estimated at 17% annually.
Environmental Efforts
We consider that it is our shared responsibility to protect the environment in which we live in. For this reason, we have developed, in conjunction with the Sustainability Committee of Physical Resources, a complete program to do just that.
All purchases on campus from Food Services locations, made by the University of Ottawa, must respect the following 3 policies of Materials Management and Services:
Policy No. 36: “Supply of Goods and Services”
