Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 69.41
Liaison Yolanda Cieters
Submission Date Feb. 22, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Seattle University
IN-1: Innovation 1

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Phillip Thompson
Director
CEJS
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
On-Site Composting Facility

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome :

In 2003, Seattle University built their own on-site composting facility that has continued to grow. The facility has three composting bays, two for 'hot' composting and one for curing. The facility also contains a biofilter which eliminates all odors so as to not disturb neighboring apartments and buisnesses. The campus collections of pre-consumer waste from campus kitchens and cafes are brought to the facility and processed. Students have the opportunity to partake in this process, as well as help with temperature and oxygen measurements, soil food web and biology analysis, and E Coli testing.


A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):

Through the creation and use of this facility, Seattle University has demonstrated that urban composting is not just plausible, but possible, without creating odor and noise impacts.
The facility annually turns 178,000 pounds of food waste into compost.
The facility has won awards such as the Washington State Recycling Association's,
Washington Organics Recycling Coalition's Outstanding Achievement Award, and
Sustainable Endowments Institute's Sustainability Innovator Award. The facility has also gained media recognition.
It has also provided a learning tool through the implementation of facility tours and opportunities for student involvement.


A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
Which of the following STARS subcategories does the innovation most closely relate to? (Select all that apply up to a maximum of 5):
Yes or No
Curriculum Yes
Research No
Campus Engagement Yes
Public Engagement Yes
Air & Climate No
Buildings No
Dining Services No
Energy No
Grounds Yes
Purchasing No
Transportation No
Waste Yes
Water No
Coordination, Planning & Governance No
Diversity & Affordability No
Health, Wellbeing & Work No
Investment No

Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
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The website URL where information about the innovation is available :
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.