Cleaning Products
We use cleaning products that are sustainable and meet the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safer Choice Standard.
Packaging
We prioritize the use of recyclable and compostable materials that align with UW-Madison and Dane County waste streams to reduce our environmental footprint across our food service operations.
Green Fund Projects
Students have developed Green Fund projects that focus on lessening the environmental impact of our operations.
FoodPro Waste Tracking Module, Fall 2025
The Green Fund provided $2,520 to launch a three-year pilot program for the FoodPro Waste Tracking Module.
The FoodPro Waste Tracking Module is a comprehensive waste tracking and reporting tool that promotes transparency of food waste and enhances food waste reduction.
Reuseable Produce Crates, Fall 2024
The Green Fund provided $2,700 towards the purchase of reuseable produce crates for use at the Wisconsin Union.
By replacing single-use cardboard boxes with reuseable crates for produce delivery, the Wisconsin Union deceased cardboard waste production by 37 metric tons per year.
MaetaData Pilot, Spring 2024
The Green Fund provided $36,000 to launch a pilot for a three-year subscription to MaetaData at the Wisconsin Union, as well as other groups across campus.
MaetaData is an AI-Driven technology that promotes sustainable ingredient sourcing, elevates source transparency, and empowers local suppliers.
Sustainable Design
Both Union South and Memorial Union have been LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified. LEED is a green building rating framework that prioritizes sustainability in the construction and design of buildings.
Union South
LEED Gold Certification - BD+C: New Construction v2.2
Union South is a certified LEED Gold facility. The sustainable features and technologies in Union South include:
- Construction Waste Diversion: 90% of Union South demolition materials recycled
- Local and Regional Materials: 20% of construction materials were sourced regionally
- Recycled Materials: 10% recycled-content materials incorporated into construction
- Public Transportation Access: Union South provides direct access to public transportation
- Green Roof: Vegetated roof to reduce heat absorption and sequester carbon.
- Stormwater Collection System: Stormwater collected by green roof provides water for Union South water feature, reducing the need for potable water.
- Green Power: 100% of building electricity is offset with green power purchases, reducing impacts from fossil fuel energy.
- Alternative Transportation Support: Bicycle storage, changing rooms, preferred parking for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles, and reduced parking capacity.
- Water Use Reduction Technology: Indoor water-saving fixtures achieve 30% reduction in potable water use compared to baseline standards.
- Water Efficient Landscaping: Landscaping reduces water use by more than 50%
Memorial Union
LEED Silver & Certified Certification -BD+C: New Construction v3
The main building of Memorial Union is a LEED Silver certified, while the west wing is LEED Certified.
The sustainable features and technologies in Memorial Union include:
- Construction Waste Management: At least 75% of construction and demolition waste was recycled.
- Building Reuse: At least 75% of existing building structure were retained and reused.
- Local and Regional Materials: More than 20% of new building materials were sourced regionally.
- Recycled Materials: 20% of building materials contain recycled content.
- Certified Wood: 100% of installed wood products meet certified wood standards.
- Public Transportation Access: Memorial Union provides direct access to public transportation.
- Alternative Transportation Support: Bicycle storage, changing rooms, preferred parking for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles, and reduced parking capacity.
- Water-Use Reduction Technology: 50% reduction in potable water use for irrigation. 20% reduction in indoor potable water use compared to baseline plumbing standards.