dim image of women holding soil and a plant
Sustainability

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability

Under the guidance and support of Wake Forest University’s Office of Sustainability, Graylyn strives to blend its historical features with everyday sustainable practices. Graylyn’s Green Team encourages and facilitates the collaborative efforts of staff and guests to initiate practices that contribute to a sustainable, high quality of life in the Triad and transform the following guiding principles into practices.

Sustainability Efforts

Stewardship

Wake Forest University encourages all members of the campus community to take responsibility for the interdependent environmental, economic, and social consequences of their actions. 

a smiling man kneeling in the forest

Service & Outreach

Graylyn is proud to partner with our local Adopt a Park organization which allows businesses to contribute to the care and attention of community parks. In 2012, Graylyn adopted responsibility for the extra care and attention of Whitaker Park.

two little girls and their mother looking closely at plants

Energy Conservation & Climate Change

Graylyn staff strive to monitor and minimize energy consumption and promote the development and use of renewable energy sources. We also invite our guests to join us in conserving water by offering a towel and linen reuse program in our guest rooms.

small plant sprouts being watered

Dining & Food Systems

Graylyn promotes diverse and sustainable agricultural practices that encourage the protection of farmland and viable food systems. The Graylyn Chef’s Garden was established to support this principle.

a farmer working in the fields

Built Environment

Graylyn strives to construct, renovate, and operate the built environment according to high standards of efficiency in energy, water, and materials intensity in a way that minimizes impact on local ecosystems and supports human wellbeing.

view from the ground of tall trees above

Food & Waste Reduction

Through initiatives such as our Surplus Property Program and Technotrash recycling, we are making a difference in the community while reducing our environmental footprint.

  • 100% of Graylyn’s yard waste is repurposed as mulch or organic soil amendments, and we divert pre-consumer waste from the landfill to compost.
  • The bulk of “typical” recycling (paper, cans, glass, bottles, cardboard, etc.) is taken to our local Recycle America facility in Winston-Salem.
a woman holding a basket of fruit at sunset

Procurement

Graylyn subscribes to procurement policies and practices that encourage environmentally and socially responsible products and services.

a man holding a handful of soil with a small plant

Transportation

Graylyn promotes walking, cycling, public transportation and the reduction of reliance on single occupancy vehicular travel. Ridesharing and shuttle service is also recommended and facilitated for airport transfers and group transportation arrangements.

a woman sitting in a park under the trees while working on a laptop