‘Zero Waste Initiative’ wins 2014 Wells Fargo Green Award

UNC Charlotte’s “Zero Waste Initiative” for Richardson Stadium was named the 2014 Wells Fargo Green Award winner at the annual Charlotte Chamber Energy Summit. The University was recognized in the large business category for “its impressive efforts” to eliminate waste in the 16,000-seat stadium.

The 2014 Wells Fargo Green Awards are presented to “member companies who have incorporated innovative, sustainable practices in the products they produce, the services they provide and within the culture of their company.”

According to nomination materials, the following University departments coordinated efforts to implement the initiative: facilities management/recycling, venue management, business services, dining services and Chartwells.

The dining services team and Chartwells sourced products that could be fully recycled, such as beverage cups, lids and straws. In addition, the team negotiated packaging alternatives with food providers/ national brands and gave them the opportunity to partner in the initiative. Additional time was invested in “waste-training” community volunteers who worked concession pods during games, and dining services and Chartwells supported the use of water bottle filling stations even though this would directly and negatively impact beverage sales.

For the Charlotte 49ers inaugural season in fall 2013, 82 percent of the waste generated during six home football games was recycled (6.92 tons) or made into compost (12.99 tons), and 286 gallons of fryer oil were converted to biofuel.

The Charlotte Chamber produced a video about the University’s Zero Waste Initiative; watch it on YouTube.

Photo: Devin Hatley and Mike Lizotte (third, second right) accepted the Wells Fargo Green Award.