Green Thread® Environmental Program
How ARAMARK defines sustainability:
"The ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs"
At ARAMARK Parks and Destinations, we have a deep respect for and commitment to protecting and improving the environment. We work to reduce our environmental footprint while delivering exceptional operational results. We also offer expertise and practical solutions to our clients to help them reduce their environmental impacts. Throughout our corporation, we develop and implement long-term environmental stewardship programs and policies within the areas of sustainable food; responsible procurement; green buildings; energy and water conservation; transportation; and waste stream management. We call these programs and policies Green Thread® as they weave throughout our business operations every day!
Green Thread®, what is it?
Green Thread®
- Environmental Management System.
- Designed to help regulate what we buy, how we use energy, how we dispose of chemicals, etc.
- Deal with what are known as "aspects and impacts"
- Turning on a light switch
- Buying food for the restaurants
Green Thread® will prepare us for our ISO 14001 certification
- Comprehensive EMS aimed at continual improvement
- Not perfection, but a commitment to making change in our line of business
- Helps conserve energy
- Lowers our environmental footprint
Green Thread® is everywhere..."A green thread in everything we do"
Environmental
ARAMARK Parks and Destinations, dually acting as a concessionaire and hotelier at Denali National Park, provides over one million miles of transportation services to approximately 300,000 visitors annually. We recognize the importance of managing our operation in an environmentally sensitive manner.
To achieve this, ARAMARK Parks and Destinations developed an environmental management program branded Green Thread®. This program focuses on environmental initiatives that produce positive, measurable results based on the following Eight Pillars to provide the greatest overall experience to our guests.
Pillar 1: Retail Offerings
We incorporate an environmentally preferred purchasing program that selects products and services for use, consumption and resale that minimize negative impacts on the environment. Focused on local procurement and reduced packaging there are a number of environmentally friendly products available such as locally made crafts, and organic cotton clothing.
Pillar 2: Culinary
We are proud to offer a menu that focuses on today’s conscientious market for sustainable cuisine. By purchasing and offering local organically grown produce, and vegetables, family ranch products like beef and cheese, and wild Alaskan seafood such as halibut and salmon found on the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood watch list, we are able to fulfill our commitment to the environment and create a net positive impact.
Pillar 3: Water and Energy Conservation
We are committed to protecting water quality and reducing consumption by using Energy Star-rated appliances, fixtures, lighting and equipment. In addition we have installed water conserving shower heads, faucets, toilets and washing machines.
Pillar 4: Waste Management and Reduction
We reduce, reuse and recycle to decrease solid waste. Recycling is a top priority, not only do we recycle the basics but our unique operating environment provides us with increased opportunities including crushing and recycling oil filters, and recycling antifreeze.
Pillar 5: Interpretive Programs
Our tour drivers, raft guides and other guest relation employees are all Certified Interpretive Guides, as facilitated by the National Association of Interpretation. Through these programs, we facilitate connections between the visitor and the resource communicating environmental stewardship to our visitors each year.
Pillar 6: Education and Training
We provide comprehensive training programs to our team in regards to environmental leadership. Programs on topics such as hazardous waste management, environmental health and safety, and recycling instruct employees to become leaders in environmental sustainability.
Pillar 7: Transportation
Air quality and fuel consumption are primary concerns to us. Our buses meet the most stringent EPA standards and we continually research alternative fuel options.
Pillar 8: Sustainable Building Design
Green Thread® guidelines require sustainable building designs be incorporated into new facilities and remodels. New construction projects contain low VOC’s, sustainable harvested lumber, recycled carpet and products with the highest recycled content available.