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Sustainability

Our Initiatives

Our team is dedicated to sustainability and is committed to creating a better tomorrow. We know we can all work together to make a positive impact right here at Seattle Pacific University. In addition to the many initiatives we take on as a company, we have implemented the following programs specific to Seattle Pacific University.

SMW Sustainability Goals Graphic

A Better Tomorrow

Sodexo's sustainability journey is lined with partnerships. Partnerships with our clients, suppliers, non-profit associates and our communities. Sodexo’s US Sustainability and CSR Report looks back on some of the key partnerships from the past year and how they’ve helped Sodexo's journey through guidance and innovation.

Learn more: U.S. Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility Report and Impact on the Environment.

In 2024, Sodexo received an A+ rating from HSUS on its Protein Sustainability Scorecard, recognising our dedication to adopting plant-based proteins.

At SPU, we’re building a better tomorrow with:

  • 100% cage-free eggs
  • 100% sustainably sourced seafood, in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund and Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Leadership in global animal welfare through the Global Coalition for Animal Welfare
  • A supplier code of conduct that ensures the highest ethical, social, and environmental practices
  • Blended mushroom burgers and expanded plant-based dining options

And we’re just getting started!

At Seattle Pacific University, we are dedicated to sourcing locally grown produce from Washington whenever possible. Since 2018, we've partnered with the Puget Sound Food Hub Coalition to purchase fresh, locally grown produce from GAP-certified farms. Our Farm-to-Table series allows guests to interact with local farms and taste dishes incorporating their products. This year, our events featured Taylor Shellfish Farms, Ralph's Greenhouse, and the Puget Sound Food Hub.

Some of the local farmers and businesses that supply Sodexo at Seattle Pacific University include:

  • Puget Sound Food Hub Coalition: Ralph's Greenhouse, VIVA Farms, Hopewell Farm, Cloud Mountain Farming Center, Bow Hill Blueberries, Sauk Farm
  • Yakima Valley Farms
  • Darigold
  • Smith Co. Meats
  • Rainier Fruit Company
  • Valley Pride
  • Easterday Farms
  • Duck Produce
  • Starbucks
  • Flying Apron Bakery

By supporting these local growers and suppliers, we contribute to a sustainable food system and offer our community fresh, flavorful meals.

Sodexo continues to be recognized as a global leader in sustainability:

  • EcoVadis 2024: Ranked in the top 2% of nearly 150,000 companies worldwide with a score of 79/100, including 90/100 in Environment & Sustainable Procurement.
  • S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook: Included for the 17th consecutive year, placing among the top performers in its sector.

SPU and Sodexo are taking big steps to reduce waste and promote sustainability on campus:

  • Trayless Dining: Since 2009, Gwinn Commons Dining Hall has used trayless dining to reduce waste, water, and detergent use while saving energy. Every day, this saves 450 gallons of water.
  • Reusable Container Program: SPU Dining Services has rolled out a campus-wide reusable container system, replacing single-use takeout containers with durable polypropylene clamshells. Students pay a one-time fee and exchange containers for clean ones at the cafeteria.
  • Food Waste Reduction: Gwinn Commons uses LeanPath technology to track and reduce discarded food, helping minimize waste in campus kitchens.
  • Compostable & Biodegradable Options: SPU has introduced compostable to-go ware at Gwinn Commons, Bertona Street Pizza & Grill, the C-Store, and other locations. About 47% of paper products used on campus are compostable or biodegradable.
  • Sustainable Napkins: Our napkins are made from 100% recycled paper, and dispensers encourage guests to take fewer napkins—resulting in less waste.

Together, these initiatives showcase SPU’s commitment to a more sustainable campus and responsible dining practices.