Anne Vogel, director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, presented Â鶹´«Ã½ with the state’s platinum-level award for Encouraging Environmental Excellence through its solar arrays, composting and food waste programs.
The presentation, which was attended by faculty, staff, students and administration, was held on Tuesday at Harbourt Hall. After the short presentation, Vogel was accompanied on a facility tour as time allowed.
Kent State is one of 48 schools, companies and organizations across the state honored by the Ohio EPA for taking exceptional measures to protect Ohio’s environment and for continued commitment to environmental stewardship.
The recognizes businesses and organizations on a scale of four levels: Achievement, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Vogel spoke with Kent State Today about the university's commitment and excellence in sustainability and protecting the environment.
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Mark M. Polatajko, senior vice president of finance and administration, thanked Vogel and the Ohio EPA for the recognition and said environmental sustainability is a priority at Kent State.
“It is a priority for us as we continue to ensure the culture of continuous improvement at KSU and the careful and responsible management of our university resources and infrastructure. Obviously, our environment and sustainable strategy are part and parcel of that.â€
Kent State maintains a solar array on top of the Field House on the Kent Campus, and other arrays at six Regional Campuses. The solar arrays are projected to reduce carbon emissions by 4,116 tons of carbon dioxide per year.
The EPA also lauded Kent State's robust organic diversion program, in which the university mulches and composts yard waste for re-use on campus, and for its food waste program, in which the university sends food waste from two Kent Campus dining facilities to be converted into energy, diverting 186.7 tons of food from the landfill.
WRITTEN BY: APRIL MCCLELLAN-COPELAND
PHOTO CREDIT: APRIL MCCLELLAN-COPELAND