Life University’s campus café goes green, earns gold

June 7, 2011 — Life University’s (LIFE’s) new campus dining facility, the Socrates Café, was recently awarded Gold-Level LEED Certification, making it the second certified green building on LIFE’s campus (the LIFE Village Retreat, the first LEED Gold-Level certified, stick-built student housing in the country, opened in 2009).

In keeping with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building standards, the Café demonstrates sustainable use of construction materials, water and energy consumption during operation, reduced carbon output, and green waste management.

In addition, Socrates Café is managed by Bon Appétit Management Company, which has won numerous industry awards for its commitment to sustainable food services. The Café sources local and organic produce, antibiotic- and hormone-free meats whenever possible, offers daily vegetarian and vegan options including a full salad bar, and uses all-compostable dining ware.

Gold is the second-highest rating conferred by LEED, the authority in green building certification. The recent achievement reflects a commitment made by Life University in 2007, when LIFE President Dr. Guy Riekeman signed on as a founding member of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), an effort by U.S. higher learning institutions to create sustainable campuses.

“LEED certification, particularly at the Gold Level, is a major achievement,” says Shannan George, sustainability coordinator for LIFE. “Life University set out to create the Socrates Café as an eco-friendly facility that reflects our values as an institution, and this certification proves that we succeeded, not only by our standards, but by some of the highest standards in green building.”

In the future, LIFE aims to have all of its new construction projects LEED-certified at the Silver Level or above.

Source: Life University, www.life.edu