In an effort to contribute to UW-Madison’s WE CONSERVE sustainability effort http://www.conserve.wisc.edu/ aimed at reducing campus energy consumption and environmental footprint by 20% by 2010, Enterprise MBA Programs has launched a new Hydration Station to take the place of water served in disposable plastic bottles.

Previously, water in disposable plastic bottles was served during lunches/dinners, breaks, and classes. Over the course of a week in which Executive MBA and Evening MBA classes coincide, an average of 480 bottles could be consumed (240 students consuming 1 bottle X 2 class days).  Factoring in Enterprise MBA Programs faculty and staff, more than 500 plastic water bottles could easily be used in a week.

The change was implemented with the August 2009 Executive MBA and Evening MBA Orientations.  To ease into the WE CONSERVE sustainability initiative, all 94 incoming Enterprise MBA Programs students were issued a red Wisconsin School of Business/Enterprise MBA Programs/We Conserve refillable stainless steel water bottle for use on class days at the programs’ new Hydration Station. The  conservation effort will be rolled out to the returning 146 students in early September.

Different waters will be enhanced naturally by fruits and vegetables (such as lemon, lime, mint or cucumber).  The effort is a collaboration between Enterprise MBA Programs and Memorial Union’s Catering Division in Grainger Hall.

Posted in Enterprise MBA, Facilities