Brome CompostLa Tribune — Published June 18, 2009 (Translated)
(Sherbrooke) As of Fall 2009, the University of Sherbrooke will be able to manage its own organic waste. By installing an industrial compost on its main campus, the institution will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 120 tons, all the while achieving significant financial savings.
Presently, organic waste is transported to the Bury compost site where it is treated. The cost of disposal? Between $225 and $250 a (metric) ton (2009). This cost will fall to $75 a ton once the University of Sherbrooke manages its own organic waste itself, notes Patrice Cordeau, Environment and Sustainable Development Consultant with the University. The project, with a total value of $150 000, will allow the recovery of 60 tonnes of putrescible waste, including compostable dishes. The installation and the management of the composter will also create two jobs for students. Beyond receiving financing to the order of $25 000 from the Generations Pact, the University of Sherbrooke received $50 000 from IGA’S Eco-municipality Fund, established within the framework of a partnership with Earth Day.
The fund, of around 2 million dollars, was created thanks to savings made possible through the use of recyclable bags by consumers and an investment of 1 million $ by IGA itself. According to Yves Chapdelaine, owner of the IGA Extra de la Belvédère, approximately $900 000 has been spread during the last year (2008-2009) for environmental projects around the province. Around 120 projects were accepted in Quebec, with 5 benefiting from more significant funding, such as the one at the Unviersity of Sherbrooke.