UTS Central, a new building opened on the UTS campus in 2019, is helping the university meet their sustainability goals. The building features a public food court designed to phase out single-use plastics in response to staff and students’ environmental concerns.
While staff and students are encouraged to bring their own reusable cups, containers and cutlery, all takeaway food packaging made from a mix of cardboard, paper, bamboo and PLA is commercially compostable, and all drink containers are recyclable glass, aluminium and paper board.
Additionally, by diverting food scraps and packaging for commercial composting rather than sending to landfill, UTS expects to convert around 19 tonnes of food waste into usable compost.
UTS has a commitment, responsibility and capacity to act, and also be an actor of change. By educating the next generation of leaders, the university is ensuring that their graduates are equipped with good knowledge and understanding of responsible and sustainable business practices.
Supporting UTS’ sustainability efforts
The H2O HEROES University Edition contest launched in 2020 by CIVIQ and Elkay aims to find universities with values that align with the two companies.
As designers and manufacturers of drinking water stations, both CIVIQ and Elkay believe that eliminating single-use plastic waste is key to creating a more sustainable environment. An important objective of the contest was to learn more about the efforts taken by universities across Australia to make their campuses plastic-free.
The contest received an overwhelming response of inspiring projects, and two projects were awarded with two Elkay EZH2O drinking water stations.
Elkay drinking water stations at UTS
Supporting UTS in their efforts to eliminate single-use plastic waste from their campus, CIVIQ and Elkay provided them with two Elkay EZH2O units. The drinking water stations installed on the UTS campus include one located near the bike cage.
“This location is adjacent to the main and largest bike hub on campus, with change rooms, showers and lockers. The new water station will provide a hydration stop for cyclists as well as staff and students who exercise during the day and use the adjacent showers and locker room,” Seb Crawford, sustainability engagement manager at UTS said.
The Elkay EZH2O drinking water station features a hands-free bottle filling point and a drinking fountain, allowing staff and students to either refill their drink bottles or rehydrate directly from the fountain. Packed with hygienic features and benefits, the Elkay EZH2O is the perfect sustainability partner for any university campus across Australia.
