Western University
IN-4: Innovation 4

Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA) has been established to promote positive alternatives to landfill and incineration. ZWIA raises community awareness of the social and economic benefits of converting waste into a resource. The ZWIA sets the standards for the application of Zero Waste in all sectors of society and operates at the international, national and local level. With a strong recycling program and a committed group of occupants, Westminster Hall is Western's first building to be recognized by the Zero Waste International Alliance for achieving Zero Waste status and Western is the first higher learning institute in the world to be recognized by the Zero Waste International Alliance. The Zero Waste distinction is achieved following an extensive audit and subsequent waste reduction plan. Once the building improves it's diversion rate to 90% or greater an application is submitted to the Zero Waste International Alliance for approval. In the case of Westminster Hall, the audit demonstrated that a reduction plan was not needed - the occupants took initiative and were responsible in their diversion practices, which were above the mandatory diversion rate.