SUSTAINABILITY
SUNY Cortland Dining is committed to promoting sustainability and minimizing negative externalities on the environment through reducing, reusing, and recycling. We have adopted many business practices to support local farms, reduce food waste, create sustainable meals, and educate the SUNY Cortland community on how they can support our sustainability initiatives.
Our Commitments
Waste Reduction 
SUNY Cortland Dining Services uses the “LeanPath” measurement equipment and system to identify areas where food waste can be reduced.
We no longer use single-use plastic bags in our dining locations and continue to support the use of non-plastic foam cups in all of our retail locations. Retail dining facilities use biodegradable plastic containers, such as compostable grab-n-go containers and corn resin cutlery. Residential dining uses biodegradable containers, green reusable containers and cutlery. All napkins in our dining units are made from recycled paper. Plastic straws are replaced with biodegradable alternatives in most dining units.
Energy & Water Conservation 
The energy and water used in food preparation significantly impact greenhouse gas emissions. We are dedicated to lowering the energy needed in our production process and are making a conscious effort to conserve energy by using energy-efficient equipment.
Since 2012, we have been trayless in all dining locations to reduce the amount of water and chemicals needed to clean trays. One-quarter gallon of water is saved for each tray that would have been washed. A greywater system is installed in both Neubig and Bistro to filter and recycle water.
By using evaporator controls in walk-in coolers, our dining units can reduce fan usage and save up to 40% of energy.
In partnership with Pepsi, we are using Green Star energy-efficient vending machines.
Recycle 
We encourage all customers to participate in campus recycling efforts by placing recyclable waste in recycling bins. In our food production facilities, 100% of all eligible plastic and metal containers are recycled.
Restaurant Technologies of Rochester recycles the vegetable fryer oil used in our dining units.
Both Neubig and the Bistro process food scraps using a pulper and extractor. The waste is then sent to Natural Upcycling in Lynwood, NY.
Environment 
In addition to our commitment to the “reduce, reuse, recycle” principle, we are adopting other best practices to reduce environmental pollution and damage to the ecosystem.
We have switched to environmentally friendly cleaning agents to minimize the impact that harsh chemicals have on the environment. Our purchasing initiatives strive to support sustainable supply chain practices, including purchasing locally and using more sustainable seafood.
Community Reinvestment 
We support and encourage charitable initiatives that enhance the well-being of the local community. All non-perishable food items remaining in dining halls before semester breaks are donated to local food pantries.
We have organized Can & Mitten Drives in collaboration with the PRIDE Committee to raise awareness for food insecurity and to help the Loaves & Fishes of Cortland County.
The SUNY Cortland Cupboard program provides free food support to all students needing emergency food assistance. Non-perishable food items and other essential items are provided in a respectful and private manner to students experiencing food insecurity.
Plant-Forward Menu 
The production and consumption of animal products can contribute to rising greenhouse gas emissions. To provide a healthier and greener alternative, we are committed to increasing the number and variety of meatless and plant-based options in our dining locations.
Locally Connected 
SUNY Cortland Dining has always prioritized providing a variety of delicious, nutritious, and globally inspired meal options made from local produce. We purchase a significant share of our ingredients from local vendors with NY ties. These ingredients include locally grown vegetables and fruits, as well as dairy, meat and beverages.
We are proud to partner with the following vendors and feature their products on our menus:
- Cortland Produce, Cortland, NY
- Coffee Mania, Cortland, NY
- Main Street Farms, Homer, NY
- Trinity Valley Dairy, Homer, NY
- Cornell Dairy, Ithaca, NY
- Hunter and Hillsberg, Syracuse, NY
- Chick-N-Bap, Binghamton, NY
- Good Batter, Binghamton, NY
- 2nd Heaven, Binghamton, NY
- Cortland Bottled Water, Concord, NY
- Greenware Products, Rochester, NY
- New York Malted Waffles, Weedsport, NY
- Tripi Foods, Buffalo, NY
- Sassy Sweet Vegan Treats, Farmingdale, NY
- Yolato Frozen Yogurt, Chatham, NJ