Fueling A Sustainable Future
We don’t just talk about sustainability - we take action, because we believe that creating a better world for generations to come starts today.
Meet Your Sustainability Managers
Our full-time on-site Sustainability Managers work directly with the culinary team, operations managers, student experience team, sourcing partners, and the ASU Sustainability department to optimize our practices and find new ways for you to get involved.
Krista Keisu, Sustainability Manager
Krista Keisu is one of our Sun Devil Hospitality Sustainability Managers.
Want to get involved? Contact me at Keisu-Krista@aramark.com.
Jessie Simon, Sustainability Manager
Jessie Simon is one of our Sun Devil Hospitality Sustainability Managers.
Want to get involved? Contact me at simon-jessica@aramark.com.
Working Toward Zero Waste
We proudly support the sustainability goals of Arizona State University. Waste Minimization extends to every stage of our operations. If not managed properly, waste accumulates and can have a long-term negative impact on the environment. Sun Devil Hospitality's commitment: Our goal is to work with clients in the buildings in which we operate to achieve Zero Waste dining facilities; Here are a few active initiatives.
Robust Recycling
We recycle cardboard, metal, paper, glass, and accepted plastic products, and we recycle uncommon items—such as batteries and printer cartridges—wherever possible.
Collaborative Composting
Sun Devil Hospitality employees play a significant role in ASU’s Zero Waste goals by properly composting food waste and paper at all dining locations. As of Spring 2024, composting is available at the Memorial Union and on all four Campuses Student Unions for catering events held in those spaces.
Proactive Prevention
We use tracking and forecasting tools to proactively identify food waste trends in order to alter our preparation accordingly.
Sourcing Sustainably at Sun Devil Hospitality
Sun Devil Hospitality is dedicated to procurement practices that positively impact people, animals, and the environment. Our focus is on sustainable, ethical, and inclusive sourcing practices throughout our supply chain as well as sourcing from many local farmers, growers, and distributors. Our partners change throughout the year depending on seasonality and availability.
Our Local Commitment
Sun Devil Hospitality aims to purchase locally produced and grown items when seasonally available. Look for some of our Local Partner Products in our P.O.D. Markets on campus to see which items are grown or produced in Arizona!
Fair Trade University
Sun Devil Hospitality has played an integral role in Arizona State University’s designation as the largest Fair Trade Certified Campus in the U.S.A. by carrying at least two Fair Trade certified products at locations. Purchasing Fair Trade helps ensure that people throughout the supply chain are treated fairly, receive a living wage, and can make investments back into their communities.
Waste Not Food Donation
Any remaining high‑quality, unserved food from our coffee, retail, and catering operations is donated to 2 local partners. Arizonans for Children, a non-profit who work to provide effective solutions and opportunities for children in the foster care system. As well as Waste Not, an organization that delivers food to more than 85 nonprofits throughout the Phoenix Valley!
Coolfood Meals
Sun Devil Hospitality serves low carbon footprint meals at all 9 residential dining halls. We work with the World Resources Institute (WRI) to analyze our menu items and determine the carbon footprint of each meal based on the ingredients used. Recipes that fall below a set carbon footprint threshold and meet specific nutritional requirements receive the “Coolfood Meals” certified badge.
More Ways to Go Green with Sun Devil Hospitality
Zero Waste Catering
When you book an event at the Memorial Union or Student Pavilion, your catering will automatically default to zero waste. A zero-waste event provides you with bulk items, compostable plates, cups, and utensils, along with a compost bin for easy disposal. Another option for a zero-waste catered event is requesting reusable items for an extra charge.
Learn MoreGreen Restaurant Association
The Green Restaurant Association (GRA) is a 3rd party, non-profit organization dedicated to helping restaurants become more sustainable through transparent, science-based certification standards. Both Engrained and Barrett Dining, located on the Tempe campus, are proud to be 3-star certified green restaurants. Also, ASU catering is certified as a 3-star green caterer.
Choose to Reuse
The Sun Devil Hospitality To-Go Box program allows customers the opportunity to purchase a $6.00 reusable, environmentally safe, sustainable to-go container. When you are done using this To-Go container, you will be refunded your deposit of $6.00.
Sip Smarter
Be sure to hydrate - Especially during peak summer heat! The desert can be an unforgiving place, so be sure in the hot summer months to re-hydrate and re-fill using a reusable water bottle.
