ARAMARK Joins Client Partners to Present at Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Conference

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ARAMARK is proud to join seven of its Higher Education partner clients to present at the 2011 Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Conference in Pittsburgh, PA, October 9-12.  The AASHE Conference, the largest North American conference focused on sustainability in higher education, has a reputation for providing the greatest campus sustainability information exchange and in-depth sustainability experience.

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The focus of the 2011 conference is "Creating Sustainable Campuses and Communities."  As part of the conference, ARAMARK and partners from seven colleges and universities will present campus programs that have been implemented in conjunction with Dining Services to support their institutions' sustainability goals.  In addition, ARAMARK will present "When Did Cleaning Get So Colorful? Green and Blue Cleaning", which details the evolution of environmental cleaning options -- from traditional cleaning chemicals to green cleaning products to ARAMARK's blue cleaning program.  

"ARAMARK is proud that several of our college and university partners are being recognized by AASHE for their sustainability efforts and can share best practices that may serve as a model for other higher education institutions and their surrounding communities," said Christopher Stemen, ARAMARK's Associate Vice President of Sustainability. "We are committed to partnering with our clients to develop and implement innovative programs and initiatives that help them reach their sustainability goals."

Conference presentations featuring ARAMARK partners include:

• Arizona State University-- Establishing a Farmer's Market Program on a University Campus
  • With a focus on the partnership needed to establish and maintain the farmer's market, the presentation will address some of the challenges and successes of the program and also discuss cross-departmental and third-party collaborations.

• Boston University -- Toward Zero Waste: An Initiative for the Student Union
  • To reach its sustainability goals, the University implemented three major initiatives:  the introduction of post-consumer composting, the expansion of campus recycling, and the implementation of Zero Waste catering events. The session will highlight the positive impact the programs have had on the environment, as well as on the campus' culture and student population.  

• Johns Hopkins University -- Meatless Mondays
  • To promote food options that are healthy for students' bodies, as well as for the environment, Johns Hopkins University launched its Meatless Monday campaign.  The presentation will focus on the implementation and growth of the campaign and how it has encouraged students to examine the environmental impact of their food choices.  

• The College of William and Mary -- College Dining Services Uses Intern Program to Achieve Sustainability Goals
  • By establishing the Sustainability Dining Intern program, the College has been able to successfully institute a composting initiative, install a campus herb garden, and introduce a reusable to-go container program, among other projects. The presentation focuses on development and implementation of the intern program to help reach the campus' sustainability goals.  

• University of California Irvine -- Evolution of a Sustainable Residential Dining Commons and a Zero Waste Facility
  • Over a period of three years, the University of California Irvine evolved its residential dining restaurant into a model of sustainability achieving an official designation as the first zero waste facility on the campus.  The presentation will provide information about the program's implementation and successes.

• University of Tennessee, Knoxville -- Successful Composting-University of Tennessee-A Collaborative Compost Partnership  
  • By identifying a need and developing an on campus composting program, the University has been able to divert waste from local landfills. The session will discuss the program's implementation and its effect on the campus.

• University of Virginia -- Fostering a Local Food Procurement System:  UVA Dining's Relationship with the Local Food Hub
  • The presentation will focus on the local supply chain that has been created between the University and its local distribution organization, as well as the subsequent evolution of the school's farm to table program.  

In addition to presenting at the Conference, ARAMARK is also sponsoring the 2011 Student Summit on October 9, which will be hosted by AASHE and the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Campus Ecology Program.  The Student Summit is expected to be attended by more than 700 student leaders who will collaborate on sustainability projects taking place on their campuses. The event offers several "how to" workshops, networking time, and a free-for-all breakout session where students will break off into groups to discuss topics of their choice. Bill McKibben, a founder of the grassroots climate campaign 350.org, is the key note speaker.  

For more information about the AASHE Student Summit or the conference, including the complete list of presenters, the conference agenda and registration information, visit http://conf2011.aashe.org/.  

ARAMARK’s leadership and participation in the AASHE Conference and Student Summit demonstrates the company’s overall commitment to environmental sustainability. Through various environmental stewardship initiatives and other programs like ARAMARK’s Environmental Internship Program, the company seeks to integrate environmental acumen across its workforce in the areas of sustainable procurement, energy and water conservation and waste management.

About ARAMARK Higher Education

ARAMARK Higher Education is dedicated to excellence in dining, facility, conference center, and stadium and arena services. ARAMARK enhances the living and learning experience and environment for more than 600 colleges and universities throughout North America. For more information and a list of our services, visit www.aramarkhighered.com.

About ARAMARK

ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. The company is recognized as the industry leader in FORTUNE magazine's "World's Most Admired Companies," and as one of America's Largest Private Companies by both FORTUNE and Forbes magazines. ARAMARK seeks to responsibly address issues that matter to its clients, customers, employees and communities by focusing on employee advocacy, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and community involvement. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 255,000 employees serving clients in 22 countries. Learn more at the company's Web site, www.aramark.com, or www.twitter.com/aramarknews.

About Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)

AASHE, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, is an association of colleges and universities that are working to create a sustainable future. Our mission is to empower higher education to lead the sustainability transformation. We do this by providing resources, professional development, and a network of support to enable institutions of higher education to model and advance sustainability in everything they do, from governance and operations to education and research. More information about AASHE, including membership can be found at www.aashe.org  .  Detailed information on the AASHE 2011 Conference & Expo can be found at http://conf2011.aashe.org/.  Follow AASHE on Facebook and Twitter.

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