April 2024: Georgia Tech Sustainability Champion

From the nomination:

“On a daily basis, Leonard embraces the SDGs and through his leadership and service, he makes campus and our planet a better and happier place.

He is a true champion of SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. He spends time before, during, and after our Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB) events setting up composting bins and educating our guests on how they can divert items from the landfill. Leonard brings enthusiasm and care to the often overlooked and not pleasant process of what to do with the “trash.” Just today he delightfully shared with me that he helped someone use the compost bin correctly. He works to recycle paper and staples in our office space. In addition, IBB’s café reopened last month, and Leonard has been patiently working with the café vendor to get them to recycle and compost more. To Leonard, each paper towel composted or aluminum can recycled makes a difference.

In addition, Leonard’s efforts address other SDGs such as 2: Zero Hunger and 15: Life on Land. Last month, he started working on collecting leftover food from our events and ensuring those items are delivered to Klemis Kitchen. During spring and fall bird migration seasons, he educates our Petit Biotechnology Building occupants how they can reduce bird collisions by turning off research lab lights before they leave every night. He also cuts of Nadina berries in the IBB courtyard, since sadly those berries can poison birds.”

Q&A

Q: What is your title?

A: Building Coordinator

Q: How long have you been at Georgia Tech?

A: Approximately 2 years

Q: What does sustainability mean to you and/or why is it important?

A:  It means a healthier oceanic life, atmospheric and quality of life. Sustainability allows mankind to take what was used to make it greener and to help reduce emissions and carbon footprints.

Q: What is your favorite saying about sustainability?

A: To compost and recycle matters!