Purdue University
PAE-19: Community Sustainability Partnerships

Purdue partnered with the city of West Lafayette to sends its food waste from the dining courts to the West Lafayette Wastewater Treatment Plant to be used in the anaerobic digester. Methane is collected from the food waste and used to supply about 15% of the plant’s electricity and lower its carbon footprint. Purdue partners with Greater Lafayette Commerce to host the Purdue Campus Farmers Market every Thursday during the summer and fall on campus. The partnership provides an opportunity for students to purchase fresh locally grown produce and connects them with local businesses and farmers. The Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) class capitalizes on the engineering strength of Purdue by matching student project groups with community partners to solve problems. The project areas are human services, access and abilities, education and outreach, and the environment. The Exemplary Community Partner Award distinguishes local organizations that contribute to student experiences by providing volunteer and educational opportunities. The award was established in 2012, and the first winner was the Lafayette Crisis Center.

http://www.westlafayette.in.gov/department/division.php?fDD=11-185 http://www.lafayettefarmersmarket.com/default.htm https://engineering.purdue.edu/EPICS http://www.purdue.edu/community_relations/initiatives/partner.html