Sustainability

Waste Reduction

• In partnership with Student Government we have added 28 3-tier recycle bins to the facility in December 2008. Each set allows for the disposal of trash, and for the collection of paper products as well as bottles & cans.
• We recycle all bottles & cans, glass, plastic, cardboard, office paper, wood pallets, scrap metals, toner cartridges and packing material. In addition to the new 28 recycle bins, we collect recyclable bottles & cans in the kitchen and dining facilities. Each office has been supplied with a deskside recycle bin to collect their paper generated throughout the day. The housekeeping staff is collecting the recyclable containers generated behind the scenes.
• Recycling bins were installed in all guest rooms and common areas of the Reitz Union Hotel.
• Gator Dining offers reusable to-go containers at Croutons, reducing waste associated with take-out.
• Gator Dining offers discounts on coffee ($0.25) and fountain beverages ($0.50) to customers that bring in a reusable mug/cup.
• Gator Dining donates leftover food to the Campus Kitchens Project and a local food bank.
• Classic Fare Catering offers Zero Waste catering options.

Energy

• Renovation of the Level 12 offices/lounges and the Arredondo Café on the Level 4 included installing high efficiency fluorescent lighting, LED exit signs and motion detector light switches in offices.
• Many other areas of the Reitz Union feature high efficiency fluorescent lighting.

Water

• Renovation of the restrooms on Level 1, 2, and 4 included the installation of waterless urinals and flow restricted faucets and commodes.
• Other restrooms in the facility also feature flow restricted faucets and flush valves.

Purchasing & Other Sustainability Efforts

• The Reitz Union Hotel is proud to be designated as a Green Lodging facility by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The Florida Green Lodging Program is a voluntary initiative of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that designates and recognizes lodging facilities that make a commitment to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources. The program’s environmental guidelines allow the hospitality industry to evaluate its operations, set goals and take specific actions to continuously improve environmental performance.
• The Reitz Union has installed high-efficiency washer and dryer equipment. In addition to eliminating the need to transport laundry to and from Orlando for processing, these machines are computer controlled to obtain the maximum efficiencies in utility and chemical use.
• All of the paper supplies utilized in the Reitz Union restrooms are derived from rapidly renewable fiber sources in compliance with LEED standards
• Energy Star rated personal computers.
• Much of our custodial supplies is purchasedd in bulk to reduce packaging and shipping.
• Starbucks has daily offerings of Fair Trade coffees.
• The Reitz Union and Gator Dining use Green Seal cleaning chemicals, which are safer for you and the environment.
• Gator Dining offers a variety of more sustainable disposables including plates, cutlery, and cups.