Our Vision

Bates, Dining, Conferences & Campus Events has become a model for environmental stewardship through local purchasing, sustainable sourcing, minimization of disposables and a comprehensive waste diversion program. Investment in innovative water and energy conservation programs and equipment helped reduce our carbon footprint, contributing to Bates Colleges ability to achieve carbon neutrality a year ahead of schedule in 2019.

How Is This Achieved?

• We use vendors who are invested in helping source local products, reduce packaging and track rebates so that we can maximize funds available for the products our customers enjoy.
• We spend approximately 28% of our food budget on local Maine products, resulting in shorter shipping distances, lower fuel usage, fresher product and increased support for the local Maine economy
• We donate extra food portions to a local homeless shelter and soup kitchen
• We collect 80 plus % of all pre- and post-consumer waste for recycling, composting or pick-up by a local pig farmer
• We have no garbage disposals in our operation, preferring to us a scrime line which saves both water and electricity
• We utilize a menu management system to help forecast food production needs, track actual usage and minimize over-production
• We limit disposable service ware in Commons to just napkins and coffee stirrers – both of which are collected and composted
• We use reusable wares at outdoor events when possible
• Used fryer oil is converted into biodiesel by Maine Standard Biofuels, some of which is also used to heat college houses.

An Award Winning Team

AASHE Recognition – Bates recently completed its AASHE STARS report, and received its highest score to date, winning a Gold rating! Check out the Bates Sustainability website for more information!