FAQ

How can I get involved?

The Institute supports multiple programs that enable the campus community to engage in environmentally responsible behaviors. There are also numerous student organizations, classes, research centers, and events that are open to anyone searching for additional ways to get involved.

What is reclaimed water?

Georgia Tech regularly uses reclaimed or recycled water to irrigate green spaces on campus. The term “reclaimed water” denotes that water has been treated and purified for reuse, rather than discharged into a body of water such as the sewer system. Georgia Tech reclaims rainwater, condensate, and water from several underground springs located across campus. Tech’s use of reclaimed, non-potable water saves more than 5,000 gallons of water each week from being diverted into Atlanta’s sewers

Where can I find organic food on campus?

Farmers markets are hosted on campus seasonally throughout the year. Georgia Tech Dining Services also incorporates local and organic foods into campus dining facilities, including the Student Center Food Court salad bar that stocks 80 percent local or organic ingredients. The Students Organizing for Sustainability Community Garden also grows food right on Tech soil.

What can I recycle?

In addition to paper, plastic, and metal materials, Georgia Tech also recycles toner cartridges, cell phones, furniture, food, pallets, corrugated cardboard, batteries, glass, oils, clothing, monitors, televisions, and computers.

Where can I recycle?

Recycling bins for office paper, aluminum, and plastics are located in every building, office, residence hall, athletic venue, and dining hall. Bulk recyclables can be taken to one of two outdoor sites: behind the O'Keefe Building on Sixth Street on East Campus, and between the Woodruff Residence Hall and Undergraduate Living Center on West Campus. More information on outdoor recycling sites

E-waste is collected periodically through special events a few times per year, including Earth Day each April. Check the Green Buzz events feed for upcoming e-waste collections.

Does the campus compost its food waste and/or its green waste?

Students Organizing for Sustainability and Dining Services sponsor a campus composting program. Used cooking oils are also manufactured into biodiesel.

Does Georgia Tech purchase renewable energy or green tags?

Currently, Georgia Tech does not purchase green tags or renewable energy. However, Tech is fully committed to creating and utilizing alternative energy resources. Having the ninth largest solar roof on a U.S. college campus, as well as the third largest solar implementation of its type in the world, supplements campus energy consumption. Georgia Tech was also an early adopter of geothermal technologies that conserve energy and reduce carbon dioxide as a by-product of energy use. Tech demonstrates a commitment to green or renewable energy with the implementation of demonstration projects and extensive alternative energy research.

Does Georgia Tech use solar panels?

Georgia Tech both uses solar panels and conducts solar research. Solar panels are installed on top of the Campus Recreation Center, Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons, and Carbon Neutral Energy Solutions Laboratory.

Does Georgia Tech have a community garden?

Georgia Tech’s Students Organizing for Sustainability maintains a community garden on the Instructional Center lawn on West Campus.

How does Georgia Tech control pests?

In addition to using green cleaning methods to reduce the occurrence of pests, Georgia Tech uses Integrated Pest Management, an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of the following common-sense practices designed to reduce the amount of pesticides used in landscape management:

  • Cultural practices - Selection of native plants, analysis of soil type, location and soil preparation, and planting beds free of weeds and disease material
  • Identification - Accurate identification of the pest problems and the use of recommended products at proper rates
  • Intervention - Physical (mowing, pulling and pruning) or chemical (pre-emergence and post emergence)
Does Georgia Tech conduct environmental sustainability research?

Georgia Tech has many researchers and research centers focused on or incorporating sustainability. Interdisciplinary research centers, corporate partnerships, National Science Foundation and SEED funding all support major sustainability research at Georgia Tech. Visit the research page to learn more.

What is LEED?

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.