University of Dayton
IN-2: Innovation 2

Greening the Health Center: In the fall of 2013, several initiatives were undertaken to improve sustainability in our university Health Center. Because of the unique nature of a healthcare setting, this office had sustainability challenges that were unlike the rest of campus. First, the staff of the Health Center engaged in an in-service training with the Sustainability Manager to learn about sustainability and the unique challenges it presents in healthcare. Next, the staff did a walk though of the facility with the Sustainability Manager to document areas where new initiatives were needed. A waste audit was conducted to discover how best to alter the waste disposal process. New waste and recycling bins were purchased and placed strategically to divert the maximum amount to recycling. The staff voluntarily engage in the collection of compost from their break room to participate in the university compost program. Also, new focus was placed on the purchasing process to identify and prefer products with reduced packaging. Finally, an electronics recycling bin was put into service with a new process for collecting and diverting that waste.