Memorial was the recipient of an award this week that recognizes organizations for their commitment to environmental protection through green purchasing.

The university is the first organization in the province to be recognized by the EcoLogo Environmental Stewardship Award. Memorial received the award due to its recent implementation of a green cleaning program. The Department of Facilities Management has made the switch from conventional cleaning chemicals to environmentally preferable alternatives.

“It’s exciting for Facilities Management at Memorial to be recognized for something it has been doing quietly to contribute to a more sustainable community and a healthier environment for staff, faculty and students,” said Memorial's Sustainability Co-ordinator Toby Rowe.

Manager of Custodial Services Kent Budden accepted the award on behalf of the department from Melissa Peneycad, a consultant with Terrachoice, an environmental marketing company that administers the EcoLogo program.

EcoLogo is a third-party, multi-attribute eco-labeling program approved by the Global Ecolabelling Network, an international association of eco-labeling programs. Originally formed in 1988 by the Government of  Canada, EcoLogo is now one of the most recognizable eco-labels in North America. For more information, visit www.ecologo.org.