The grant was established to honor the individual or company submitting a sustainability case study judged as the most innovative and best-executed foodservice sustainability project of the year. Georgia Tech Dining Services, operated by Sodexo, was selected for the recognition from among numerous entrants nationwide including K-12 schools, restaurants, healthcare facilities and other higher education institutions.

Georgia Tech’s multifaceted approach to sustainability includes energy- and water-saving initiatives, intensive composting and recycling programs and the introduction of more local and organic produce. Over the next five years, these sustainability programs are projected to generate a cost saving of $807,200.

According to Dori Martin, district marketing manager for Georgia Tech Dining Services, their goal is to achieve a 26 percent energy-usage reduction and zero-waste goals by August 2015.