Student Housing Certified as a Green Business by City

The City of Los Angeles has officially certified Loyola Marymount University’s Student Housing Office as a Green Business for it sustainable practices on campus.

los angeles green business 224x300 - Student Housing Certified as a Green Business by CityStudent Housing is the first office at LMU to receive the city’s certification, which will be signed by Mayor Eric Garcetti. Student Housing met the green business standards set by the city and the California Green Business Network, demonstrating that the office operates in a sustainable manner — both in policy and in practice, according to the City of Los Angeles Green Business Program.

We want to be a leader in sustainability initiatives and these types of certification validate our efforts and goals,” says Trevor Wiseman, associate director of Resident Services.

Wiseman notes that there are more than 350 businesses across Los Angeles that have received the certification, adding, “We are proud to be a part of this distinguished group and we hope we can be a resource for other offices at LMU that are interested in receiving this certification.”

As part of Student Housing’s effort to be green, it uses 100% recycle paper, LED lights throughout its offices, low-flow sinks and Energy Star appliances, according to Wiseman. Additionally, all offices have a recycling container, the office provides all staff with a reusable water bottle, and all programming supplies (plates, bowls, cups, forks, knives, spoons) are compostable and biodegradable.

In 2014, GreenLMU launched a Green Office Certification Program. At that time Student Housing was certified at the high level by the university. LMU is now partnering with the city to provide departments on campus with L.A. Green Business certification.

In the summer, in an effort to increase sustainability, Wiseman says Student Housing plans to install low-flow toilets in residence halls, switch lighting to LED, switch to water heaters that reduce use, and begin implementation of 10 year Sustainability Strategic Plan. Then in the fall, composting will be made available to students in select halls. The office also will continue to distribute First-year Water Bottles to every first-year student with the goal to encourage them to reduce the purchasing of plastic water bottles and to promote pride in LMU.

The Student Housing Office is committed to creating residential facilities that utilize sustainable measures,” Wiseman says. “We also seek to educate students on our sustainable practices and encourage them to be aware of their own consumption. This is a part of our university mission to educate the whole person and make sure our students leave the bluff as a global citizen.”