Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 45.35
Liaison Wesley Enterline
Submission Date April 22, 2015
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
OP-17: Guidelines for Business Partners

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.50 / 1.00 Wesley Enterline
Sustainability Coordinator
Facilities Planning and Management
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

How many of the institution’s business partners are covered by policies, guidelines and/or agreements that require adherence to minimum environmental standards?:
Some

How many of the institution’s business partners are covered by policies, guidelines and/or agreements that require adherence to minimum standards governing employee wages, benefits, working conditions and rights?:
Some

A copy of the policies, guidelines, and/or agreements with the institution's business partners (or a representative sample):
The policies, guidelines, and/or agreements with the institution's business partners (or a representative sample):

UW Credit Union: The bank is not covered by policies, guidelines and/or agreements that require adherence to minimum environmental standards. In regard to policies, guidelines and/or agreements that require adherence to minimum standards governing employee wages, benefits, working conditions and rights, the bank is governed by all applicable state and federal employment laws as well as National Banking laws. No other minimum standards apply requiring our adherence.

Chartwells: The following provisions were included in the RFP for the current contract with Chartwells, the campus food service provider:

5.13.1
Describe how you intend to address the issues of Sustainability Practices. Propose an outline of practices you would implement in the first year of the contract, versus what the campus should expect over the life of the contract (waste management, energy consumption, purchasing, and other).
5.13.2
Describe how and to what extent your offerings include Fair Trade, Locally Grown, Humane and Organic Foods. Describe purchasing practices that include sustainable sources and meet the University’s goal of 10 percent or more of purchases from local/regional producers.
5.13.3
Describe your company’s plan for reducing waste that would contribute to landfill levels in our community. Describe any experiences with compostable disposable ware and potential applications for UW-Whitewater.
5.13.4
Describe how you will reduce energy consumption in food service operations. The University will collaborate with the vendor to incentivize energy reduction on electrical, natural gas, and steam usage. The program will be agreed to in Year 1 for implementation in Year 2 and will be based on a benchmark of the average of three years of meter readings on each utility.
5.13.5
Describe how you intend to support efforts to move forward to create a more sustainable food service operation as well as any new areas of sustainability that will arise in the future as it pertains to food service footprint on the environment. Describe current programs in place at your other accounts that may enhance our program.
5.13.6
Describe any reusable mug programs or other promotions and education programs for reducing waste, as well as, how your company will reduce waste. Describe how you will implement a program for biodegradable containers, cups, cutlery, plates and bowls. plates and similar items as much as possible.
5.13.7
Describe what marketing or education initiatives you propose to encourage healthy eating habits and a healthy lifestyle?

The following provisions are in the current contract with Chartwells:

6.6.1
Chartwells agrees to offer a trayless program in all units/restaurants with the exception of the Commons, summer camps and conferences, and for special need students and staff.

7.23.14 Use of Disposable Serving Ware
Chartwells agrees in the interest of sustainability issues and the customer perception of service levels, use of disposable serving ware including, but not limited to plates, flatware and beverage containers will be minimized to the extent possible. China and non-disposable flatware and glassware should be used whenever it is possible to do so.

7.32.1
Chartwells shall collaborate with the University for the potential purchase and use of products grown in the University Garden if said products meet the appropriate risk management, health codes, etc.

7.32.7
Chartwells agrees that sustainability efforts will be reviewed by June 30th annually for effectiveness and
comparison/alignment to goals of the University sustainability initiatives. Upon these reviews and upon mutual agreement between Chartwells and the University, pending notification of and approval from the UW-System Procurement Office, appropriate adjustments/amendments to the contact will be made.

7.32.8.1 Chapter 266 State Statutes
Chartwells shall comply with University and State policies and procedures related to recycling of waste
materials, purchase of recycled materials and participate in required waste separation programs. The
University shall arrange for space and/or suitable containers required for recycling.
Chartwells shall assist the University in providing data supporting their program participation.
Chartwells shall develop programs, approved by the University, to reduce the use of disposable items that are not recyclable and separate for recycling the following materials that are generated as solid waste by the University and Contractor:
a) Aluminum containers
b) Corrugated paper or other container board
c) Glass containers
d) Magazine or other material printed on similar paper
e) Newsprint
f) Office paper
g) Plastic containers #1, #2
h) Steel containers, aerosol cans, paint cans

7. 32.8.2 Recyclable Materials and Trash Removal
Chartwells agrees the University will provide dumpster service for trash and garbage under separate contract.

Chartwells is encouraged to recycle when possible. No charge will be made for service of recycled items properly separated by Chartwells.


A brief description of programs and strategies institution has implemented to ensure that the guidelines are followed, including a brief description of instances when the guidelines have changed purchasing behavior, if applicable:

An ongoing relationship with the Chartwells staff, including involvement in and consultation with their sustainability program and practices, have ensured their efforts are consistently maintained at a local level.

A notable change in purchasing behaviors have revolved around the shift from foam disposable food service containers. They have largely adopted compostable disposables to replace foam products and this effort was largely in response to campus interest in a more sustainable alternative.

Generally speaking, however, sustainability is an integral part of Chartwells mission and they are very willing and interested in exploring new possibilities, such as a larger scale composting program, so long as the cost and level of service does not compromise the experience of the students they serve.


The website URL where information about the institution’s guidelines for its business partners is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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