The University has developed sustainable practices as part of its ongoing operations in an effort to balance the impact of necessary development, building construction and building maintenance with the quality of our campus environment and human health concerns. We take care to explore the options available in order to develop policies that account for sustainability interests.
Good. Fresh. Local. Dining hall offers value, education
The Good. Fresh. Local. (GFL) University of Nebraska-Lincoln Sustainable Food Project began in University Dining Service/University Housing in 2005. This 'local' project identifies 'local food' as coming from Nebraska farmers, producers, and manufacturers. Students and the UNL community are strong supporters of GFL where GFL menu items are served primarily at Cather/Pound/Neihardt Dining Service, The Nebraska East Union Cafe, and University Dining Catering Service.
The GFL Project is built on a foundation that:
- Serves traditional menu items that promote the value of local food.
- Educates students about sustainable agriculture and the positive impact it has on the environment, local economies and communities.
- Provides a new distribution opportunity for local farmers and producers in the world of university dining service.
Tree Replacement Policy
The draft tree preservation and mitigation policy provides standards for evaluating and preserving trees as a part of development and building construction on campus. It also establishes the mitigation requirements projects must meet to remove existing trees on construction sites. This policy aligns with the university's value for trees and their aesthetic, environmental, and educational contributions to our campus.
To achieve its goals, the policy designates a tree preservation team and requires a landscape protection plan to provide accountability and oversight. Education and support will be provided to ensure tree health and preservation when possible, but the project manager will be responsible for enforcing the provisions of the landscape protection plan. This policy reinforces the university's commitment to acting as a good steward of the natural resources to which we have been entrusted.
Read this 2015 Daily Nebraskan's piece about tree replacement on campus here.
Integrated Pest Management
The university has employed Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to ensure the quality of our natural environment and to manage their impact on human health. UNL first uses non-chemical methods as a means of pest prevention. Proactive actions including sanitation, exclusion, and monitoring the need for pesticides. Following those steps, only products low in potential hazards and most effective for control of the targeted pest will be used. These practices are necessary to provide a clean and healthful environment on campus while considering our environmental impact.