Driving Sustainability: How the University at Buffalo Manages Campus Waste
Sustainable campus operations require more than just recycling bins; they demand integrated strategies that reduce waste at the source. At the University at Buffalo (UB), this mission is led by the Office of Sustainability, where specialized roles focus on diverting waste from landfills and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among students and staff.
The Role of the Zero Waste Manager
Central to UB’s environmental strategy is Erin E. Moscati, the Zero Waste Manager. With over two decades of experience in developing diversion programs, Moscati focuses on engaging the campus community to reduce the total volume of solid waste generated.
Effective waste management on a large campus requires cross-departmental collaboration. Moscati’s approach involves working with several key university sectors to create integrated solutions, including:
- Operational Staff and Custodial Services: Ensuring the physical infrastructure for waste diversion is maintained.
- Dining and Residential Life: Addressing the primary sources of campus waste.
- Purchasing and Contracts Teams: Reducing waste before it even enters the campus.
- Planners and Designers: Integrating sustainable waste solutions into the campus layout.
The Office of Sustainability Leadership
The Zero Waste program is part of a broader administrative effort managed by the Office of Sustainability. The leadership team ensures that environmental goals are met through a structured hierarchy of expertise:
- Ryan A. McPherson: Chief Sustainability Officer
- Derek J. Nichols: Associate Director
- Olivia Mccarthy: Sustainability Operations Coordinator
Beyond the Campus: Entrepreneurship in Sustainability
The expertise driving UB’s sustainability efforts often extends into the private sector. For instance, Erin Moscati established Sustainable Design Solutions in 2012, a women-owned small business in Buffalo, NY, focusing on community advocacy and environmental education.
Key Takeaways for Campus Sustainability
| Strategy | Objective |
|---|---|
| Waste Diversion | Reducing the amount of solid waste sent to landfills. |
| Integrated Solutions | Collaborating across dining, housing, and procurement. |
| Community Engagement | Involving students and staff in active diversion programs. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who manages zero waste at the University at Buffalo?
Erin E. Moscati serves as the Zero Waste Manager within the Office of Sustainability.
How does the university reduce waste?
The university utilizes diversion programs and collaborates with various campus departments—such as dining and residential life—to implement integrated waste-reduction solutions.
Where is the Office of Sustainability located?
The office is located within the Sustainability Center at the University at Buffalo.
Looking Ahead
As universities worldwide face increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprints, the model used by the University at Buffalo—combining professional waste management with cross-departmental collaboration—provides a blueprint for sustainable institutional growth. By focusing on diversion and community engagement, UB continues to evolve its operational efficiency.