Sustainability

Sustainability at USC

Reduce the energy used in our business and in our supply chain

Carolina Dining significantly reduces the carbon footprint of our business and our supply chain, as 25% (in season) up to 100% of our produce is sustainable grown from local producers and minority and women owned business enterprises. Currently Carolina Dining purchases from 27 South Carolina farm units;
Carolina recognized as a “Fresh on the Menu” member by the SC Department of Agriculture;
Banners showing the location of the farms in South Carolina were designed and placed in Grand Market Place, Patio Café, and Gibbes Court.
FY10 Partner with SC Department of Agriculture, SAGE, RHA, SGA, Healthy Carolina and the Carolina Administration, Faculty and staff to promote consumption of locally grown products.

Reduce the water footprint of our business and within the most at risk parts of our supply chain.

All existing dishwashing products and systems use the Ecolab Apex™ Dishwashing System. Apex combines technology and products save water and energy, minimizing its impact of products on the environment.
Bates Carolina Diner is trayless reducing water footprint.

Reduce the materials used and waste generated at our sites and in our own operations.

Pulper at the Grand Market Place reduces trash volume
Trash compactors used at Russell House, Capstone, and Patterson Hall reduce volume of trash taken to landfills
Fryer oil given to third party for recycling into alternate fuel and other products
Institute Planet Change, a program where customers will receive a discount if they use natural plates.

Utilize environmentally responsible equipment, products, packaging and cleaning practices at our offices, productions facilities and client’s sites.

Fair Trade coffee sold at Jazzman’s, Einstein’s and Starbucks on campus
Napkins purchased are made from recycled paper
Replaced previously used foam take-out containers, utensils, and soup containers with bio-degradable
Electric car used for servicing Colloquium
T-Shirts used in all promotions were made from recyclable or sustainable products
Made our primary bottled water Deer Park as it is made with an average of 30% less plastic versus comparable size carbonated and non-carbonated beverages.
Promote recycle program and increase number of recycle containers in on-campus restaurants
Introduce Eco-Bottle (PBA-free)
Sodexo is introducing Aspretto coffee, an upscale coffee that is ergonomically balanced. It is 100% Fair Trade Certified by TransFair USA and even the staging panels are made from 100% recycled aluminum.