Sodexo and the Kent Denver school, a college-preparatory day school in Englewood, CO, have unveiled what they say is the first LEED Platinum free-standing dining facility in the world.
The Kent Denver dining hall is said to be the first-of-its-kind because it will use approximately 50 percent less energy and water than a typical building, and was constructed using environmentally-friendly, sustainably-produced, and/or locally-sourced materials. Additionally, the majority of the waste generated by the facility will be fully composted or recycled. There are currently 114 LEED Platinum certified buildings in the world, five in Colorado.
"Sodexo, and Kent Denver, believes that student success starts with one's environment," says Meagan Johnson, general manager for Sodexo at Kent Denver School. "Healthy, sustainable schools create more productive learning environments. By protecting and improving the places in which our children live and learn, we're helping to create a better tomorrow for our kids and community."
Kent Denver Dining Hall's offerings are prepared with locally-sourced fruits from the 100-tree orchard, vegetables from the school's outdoor garden, and herbs from the on-site living herb wall. The dining facility will also serve up all-natural meats, organic and locally-sourced fruits, and dairy products free from artificial growth hormones.
In addition to offering healthy food choices and a unique dining environment, Kent Denver and Sodexo have also woven educational programs into the mealtime experience. Students will participate in various environmental-focused programs to educate them on solar power, recycling, and sustainable agriculture.