Sustainability at Chautauqua

Chautauqua Institution is committed to practicing responsible environmental stewardship and sustainability. We demonstrate this through the management of our historic Grounds and as a member of the broader Chautauqua Lake Watershed Community.

Click here for information about our waste management program, which includes the collection schedule, what is and is not collected for landfill waste, recycling, and yard trimmings. It also includes information about our Community Compost Collection Program, Community Clean-Up Days and how to dispose of materials we do not collect.

Our sustainability priorities are summarized as waste reduction, utility conservation and natural environment preservation. Our current stewardship practices are highlighted below. For information about our Chautauqua Lake stewardship visit Chautauqua Lake Conservation.

Reducing Waste

Utility Conservation

Natural Environment Conservation

Reducing Waste

A view of Miller Bell Tower and Chautauqua Lake from the Athenaeum Hotel porch

  • We are committed to reducing our dependence on single use plastics.
    • We encourage reusable water bottles and provide filtered water stations in multiple locations around the grounds.
    • The majority of bottled water available for sale at Institution-owned and operated properties is packaged in aluminum bottles.
    • Our take-away containers are made of 100% recyclable or biodegradable materials.
  • We use environmentally friendly cleaning and laundry products and practices.
    • We ask overnight hotel patrons to consider re-using towels, when possible.
    • Unless requested, bedding is changed only upon departure of guests and every third day for guests who stay with us three or more days.
  • We strive to implement food preparation industry best practices.
    • Our foods are sourced from environmentally conscious sources and partners.
    • All equipment purchased meets Energy Star standards.
    • Food waste is taken to a local farm for composting and animal feeding.
    • Used fryer oil is converted to reusable fuel.
    • Recycling program includes all cardboard, cans and bottles across our food service properties.
  • We purchase SFI (sustainable forestry initiative) paper and by default, most printers are set to print double sided.
    • We make scratch pads from our recycled paper.
    • We save paper by offering a “no-receipt” option at many of our food and services sales registers.
  • We follow “recycle and reuse” as much as possible, including performing arts stage sets, shipping packaging material and removed trees.

Click here for information about our waste management program.

Utility Conservation

Vegetables at the Bestor Fresh MarketFocusing on reducing our carbon footprint, conserving electricity and reducing water use.

  • We participate in purchasing renewable electricity from a low impact hydro-electric facility. We’ve installed solar panels to augment our electricity needs and have also begun using more efficient equipment, like LED lighting and motion sensor light switches.
  • Chautauqua Golf Club’s course maintenance plan includes practices that require less water, less fertilizer and fewer pesticides while still providing outstanding playing conditions.
  • We offer charging stations for electric vehicles and electric mobility scooters. Contact the Ticket office at 716-357-6250 or ticketoffice@chq.org for details.
  • The Institution has two farmers markets on-grounds where vendors offer local fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, and baked goods. Hours for the Chautauqua Farmers Market and the Bestor Fresh Market are listed here: On-grounds Dining & Activities. Locally sourced food products can be found at the Plaza Market and the Chautauqua Bookstore.

Natural Environment Conservation

People walking and riding bikes along the lakeOur Campus Planning and Operations department is always focused on measures to ensure the health of our grounds, both now and in the future.

  • As a member of the broader Chautauqua Lake Watershed community, we are committed to alleviating the stressors that are impacting Chautauqua Lake. Learn more at Chautauqua Lake Conservation.
  • We have a robust Tree Management Plan. Removed trees are recycled into wood chips which are then used on paths through our wooded areas. Wood from removed trees is also used to make benches and playground equipment (visit Timothy’s Playground at Miller Park).
  • Our landscaping practices focus on reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides.
  • We use native perennials and use seed collection to generate new plants.
  • The Institution has Certified Monarch Butterfly Way Stations and an Arb.net certified Arboretum.
  • Through the use of porous sidewalks, rain gardens, green roofs and bioswales to collect and filter rainwater runoff, our Drainage Management System processes surface water flow and reduces the volume of pollutants that reach Chautauqua Lake.
  • The Sustainable Shoreline Action Plan assessed issues facing Chautauqua Lake and outlined changes and improvements to create shoreline habitat in support of healthy aquatic life and stabilizes our Chautauqua Lake shoreline.
  • The community-wide Compost Collection Program generates rich compost for our Gardens and Landscaping team to use throughout the grounds. Join our food services department in composting your kitchen scraps like fruits, vegetables, coffee grounds and eggshells. Click here for information about our waste management program.
  • Our Campus Planning and Operations leadership team participates in staff and community education programs, does speaking engagements, provides resources to homeowners and landscaping contractors, and leads educational tours of the grounds.