Social Responsibility

"We will maintain in good order the land we are privileged to use, protecting the environment and natural resources."

Sodexo feels it is our responsibility to encourage and act in a way that promotes sustainability on campus, in our community, around the region and throughout the world. Our sustainability efforts tie into our strong community focus and our regard for quality of life. Our sustainability initiatives and programs include the following:

• Air pollution reduction practice
• Ecological building construction and renovation design
• Energy conservation practices
• Purchasing from environmentally and socially responsible companies
• Waste reduction practices
• Local farmers provide their products to our main supplier to maximize delivery efforts and cut down on greenhouse emissions
• Recycling of solid waste
• Rendering practices
• Water conservation and waste water practices
• Many of our coffees, teas and hot chocolate are Fair Trade
• Use of local coffee roasters
• Use of local cage-free organic eggs
• Purchasing from companies that give back a percentage of their profits to environmentally responsible projects
• Introduction of the Opti-Rinse™ System. Opti-Rinse™ rinse nozzles use less than half the water of traditional nozzles
• Elimination of disposable service ware that does not support an environmentally friendly environment

Local and Organic Foods

Sodexho is a committed partner in the development of a local food presence on campus as an integral part of our dining services programs.

Who/What?

Dining Services works with Sodexho's prime vendors to source items locally wherever possible. In addition, purchases are also made directly from local vendors including:

• Philbin Orchards, Sterling, MA - Produce
• Carlson Orchards, Harvard, MA - Produce
• Dole & Bailey Inc. - Meats
• Green Mountain Coffee Roasters - Coffee
• HP Hood, LLC - Dairy Products
• Boisvert Farms , Hadley, MA - Produce
• Joe Czaskowski Farms , Hadley, MA - Produce
• Williams Farms, South Deerfield, MA - Produce
• Davidian Brothers Farm, Northboro, MA - Produce
• Springbrook Farms, Littleton, MA - Produce
• Clearview Orchards, Stearling, MA - Produce
• Dicks Market Garden, Lunenburg, MA - Produce

When?

All year long as available, some items are definitely seasonal

Why Local?

• Local products spend less time in transit and therefore arrive faster & fresher
• Chefs can offer different varieties of vegetables grown locally for flavor and character – rather than vegetables grown for interstate durability
• Local eating connects students to the environment by respecting seasonality and the unique features of our bioregion
• Local purchasing eliminates the need for long-distance hauling and substantially reduces greenhouse gas emissions from trucking – limiting our carbon footprint
• Local purchasing supports the viability of local farms and protects land by supporting sustainable agricultural use

Resources

• Massachusetts Agricultural Resources www.mass.gov/agr
• New England Apples www.newenglandapples.org
• New England Organics www.newenglandorganics.com

Fair Trade Products

Babson Dining Services has been serving Fair Trade coffee selections to their customers since 2004. Today Fair Trade coffee selections are offered at several locations on campus and from several coffee vendors.

Fair Trade Products guarantees a minimum price for small farmers' harvests and encourages organic and sustainable cultivation methods that are safer for communities. The cultivation of coffee has become an issue with both environmental and human rights implications.

Coffee - What Brand / Where?

Green Mountain Fair Trade Coffee and Jazzman's Fair Trade Coffee selections are available at several locations on campus.

Resources

• Equal Exchange www.equalexchange.com
• Jazzman's Cafe www.jazzmanscafe.com/OurCoffee
• Green Mountain Coffee Roasters www.fairtrade.greenmountaincoffee.com

Waste Reduction & Prevention

Babson Dining Services works hard to put green dining practices in place. These sustainable practices touch many areas of conservation including waste reduction, as well as waste prevention:
- Energy Conservation
- Water Conservation and Waste Water Prevention
- Food and Paper Waste Reduction and Prevention
- Renewable and Recycled Materials Use

Energy Conservation

• Limited use of garbage disposals
• Timers installed on hall exhaust hoods and fans in kitchen
• Timers installed on some lights in Dining Services areas

Water Conservation and Waste Water Prevention

• Limited use of garbage disposals to conserve water
• All previously water-cooled refrigeration has been or will be at the end of life cycle replaced with air-cooled systems to reduce water usage

Food and Paper Waste Reduction and Prevention

• All paper cups removed from Resident Dining halls for a savings of 154,000 going into waste stream each year
• Just in time cooking practices employed in all dining halls resulting in 80% less food waste
• Just in time production in all dining halls reduces pre-consumer food waste by up to 80%
• Reusable mug campaign – retail outlets offer a discount on refills with the mug

Green Clean

Ecolab, our provider of cleaning product is now offering EcoLogic, an environmentally responsible line of cleaning products that is now 23 products strong! Each product is specially designed to cause less toxic pollution and waste, conserve resources and habitats, and minimize toxicity to workers. Many have earned Green Seal certification, identifying them as "the most environmentally preferable products currently available; thus, they are leadership standards. For more information, visit the Green Seal website at www.greenseal.org

How You Can Help

You can help us in our sustainability in a number of ways:

• Take full advantage of Trim Dining Hall. Trim features all china / silverware service, pre and post consumer composting and is members of the local Food salvage program.
• Don't waste food. Enjoy your meal but remember don't overload your plate.
• Take only the number of napkins you need per meal.
• Take only one disposable cup for each beverage purchased.
• Join our Reusable Mug Program (and use your mug). Not only do you help the environment, but also you get a great discount when you use your mug.
• Recycle aluminum cans and bottle throughout campus at the designated recycling centers.
• Dine in at your favorite campus location to ensure your take out packaging is properly disposed of.
• Get involved with the many student sponsored campus environmental groups.

	Sodexo is committed to social responsibility, especially those surrounding our food supply. Everyday we make food choices. And, whenever possible, we will select foods that meet or exceed the standards set forth with the Food Alliance. So, be sure to look for the Food Alliance seal. It's better for you; better for the environment and better for our farmers. Please help us to improve the quality of daily life for the communities we serve. [ more ] [ brochure ] [ press release ]
	STOP Hunger: Since 1999, the Sodexo Foundation has been committed to being a driving and creative force that contributes to a hunger-free nation. In order to eliminate hunger that affects 36 million people in the U.S., we must fight its root causes... [ more ]
	Manufacturing Partners: Sodexo has been an active member of industry coalitions which encourage legislators, manufacturers and consumers to jointly develop rational, not reactionary, strategies to today's environmental needs... [ more ]
	Sodexo's Environmental Action Program is complex and multifaceted, offering solid information and tools to make our customers, clients, employees, and society at large aware of environmental problems and how they can help. [ more ]