Path to a Zero-Carbon Campus
Zero Waste
Zero waste is widely defined as diverting over 90% of waste from the landfill, which takes collaborative effort by all building users. The zero waste movement at Haas goes far beyond our diversion rate. We are constantly reimagining, redesigning, and redefining the way sustainability is integrated into our buildings and lifestyles at Haas, on the wider Berkeley campus, and beyond.
We are committed to leading the way in zero waste infrastructure, as can be seen at Chou Hall, the first TRUE Zero Waste Certified academic building in the world. Now, Cheit Hall is the second zero waste building on the UC Berkeley campus.

Connie & Kevin Chou Hall
The greenest academic building in the nation
As the greenest academic building in the nation, Chou Hall is leading the movement to redesign systems within the academic context and create an influential zero waste culture. By creating a space in which landfill is neither created nor disposed of, the Berkeley Haas community is reducing its carbon footprint and encouraging building users to think more deeply about the lifecycle of their waste.

Cheit Hall is now a Zero Waste Building!
Chou Hall is a blueprint for other buildings that want to also strive for zero waste. As of November 1, 2020, the second Haas building, Cheit Hall is now a zero waste building. There are no landfill bins in Cheit Hall.

Micro Towel Program
In an effort to continue to prioritize zero waste, Haas is the first campus department to implement a micro towel pilot program for campus. Reusable micro towels and cleaning spray are available in all group study rooms and virtual classrooms. In partnership with campus custodial, Cal Zero Waste and Cintas, the towels are laundered and returned for continuous cleaning.

Official Chou Hall Zero Waste Initiative Report
The Chou Hall Zero Waste Initiative Report is a summary of the reflections, learnings, and recommendations that have resulted from our experience working towards achieving TRUE Zero Waste certification at the Platinum Level. We provide links to imperative documents that guided our project or that will help others who are working towards their own Zero Waste goals.