Sustainability Initiatives at Converse
As agents of transformation, the Converse community drives our city and region vibrantly forward through our sustainability initiatives. By utilizing our physical resources efficiently and encouraging the Converse community to participate in our sustainability mission we can ensure Converse can support generations to come.
We will promote sustainability on campus and beyond via programming, activities, and academics, including, but not limited to:
- Green cleaning;
- Recycling;
- Composting;
- Responsible food options
Single-Stream Recycling
Converse has a long standing program dedicated to single-stream recycling. Blue recycling bins are located across campus allowing for all recyclable material to be put into the same bin.
Hydration Stations
Hydration stations are bottle-filling stations that supplement traditional water fountains across campus, saving the Converse community money and reducing the use of plastic bottles and fossil fuel used to produce and transport water bottles to stores.
Converse has a hydration station in nearly every academic building on campus including in several of our residential facilities.
Composting
Each year, Converse diverts over 50,000 lbs of food waste. Composting is another way that we are doing our part in creating positive change for the environment and being a catalyst for reversing climate change.
Converse’s composting program handles all the pre- and post- consumer waste from Gee Dining Hall through a partnership with Atlas Organics. In exchange, Converse receives composted soil to enrich our grounds.
Academic Studies and Scholarly Efforts
From our Environmental Studies program to active faculty research to internship opportunities, Converse fosters an environment for our students and faculty to make an impact.
Responsible Food Options
Our dining service provider, AVI Foodsystems, is committed to reducing our environmental impact and continually improving its environmental and sustainability performance as an integral part of their operations here at Converse.
Green Cleaning Practices
Converse partners with The Budd Group to offer sustainable cleaning solutions. From the use of microfiber towels to concentrated cleaning solutions, facilities management has a daily impact on diverting excessive consumption of disposable products and bottles from landfills. Certified cleaning equipment, sealed batteries, Green Seal certified chemicals and more are just some of the ways that The Budd Group and Converse are maintaining the safety and beauty of our campus while also contributing to more sustainable operations.
LEED Buildings
Converse has three buildings that carry the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) designation on main campus:
Kuhn Hall (#10 on campus map)
Kate Hall (#17 on campus map)
Howard Hall (#16 on campus map)