The Red Jacket Dining Complex at State University of New York College at Geneseo has received LEED Gold certification for its green-minded design, construction and operations.
The university says the 21,000-square-foot space reopened on the SUNY Geneseo campus in 2018 after a renovation that expanded dining areas and gathering areas.
During construction, 31 percent of all materials used were recycled, and more than 65 percent of all waste generated during construction was recycled instead of going to the landfill, says Michael Neiderbach, the college’s director of planning and construction.
“SUNY Geneseo is committed to sustainability and has been for a long time,” says Neiderbach.
Features include LED lighting, and heating, cooling, and plumbing systems that are more energy-efficient. Shutters from the original Red Jacket were used to decorate the ceiling, and other furnishings are made from reclaimed wood. The original Red Jacket opened in 1966.
Campus Auxiliary Services, which operates the dining facilities, works with local food suppliers, uses trayless dining and supports other efforts for sustainability, says Clarence Mitchell, CAS facilities director.
CAS has collected compost from restaurants on campus for several years, which is used in campus landscaping. For example, during a two-week period last January, CAS collected nine, full 55-gallon totes of compost material from campus restaurants.
Red Jacket is one example of the College’s mission to support sustainability. Six buildings on campus have been built or renovated to LEED standards.
