The Atrium Certified as a Maine Environmental Leader!

We have some incredibly exciting news to share with our entire community! The Atrium has been officially certified as a Maine Environmental Leader by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Thanks to the hard work of our staff, residents, and partners, our community scored well over the required points on the state’s certification workbook, soundly exceeding the initial requirements for this prestigious designation. The Atrium is now authorized to display the official Environmental Leader logo until April 28, 2028, when we will recertify.

🤝 A Team Effort: Partnering for Protection

This milestone achievement wouldn’t have been possible without two incredible driving forces:

The Atrium Environmental Sustainability Group: The passion, advocacy, and dedication of this group were the true catalysts for this initiative.

The University of New England (UNE): We extended our collaborative hands to academia, working closely with Professor Jeremy and his stellar student intern, Zoe. The UNE team spent countless hours documenting the eco-friendly operational practices already thriving across our campus.

🌱 What Makes The Atrium an Environmental Leader?

To earn this certification, the DEP evaluated our campus across multiple categories. The designation highlights a wide range of green practices we have proudly put into action:

Waste Management: We have implemented robust recycling programs for paper, glass, metal, and plastic, backed by clear, informative signage and labeling. Additionally, our kitchen scraps are organically composted through a wonderful dual initiative: our corporate partnership with Garbage to Garden and our very own resident-led Garbage to Garden program

Energy Efficiency & Water Conservation: We utilize campus-wide LED lighting and Energy Star appliances, alongside the installation of low-flow fixtures.

Landscaping & Maintenance: Our grounds team has increased the utilization of native plant species and organic fertilizers, while our indoor maintenance incorporates “Zero VOC” eco-friendly paints.

Unique Innovations: The state specifically recognized our electric vehicle (EV) charging outlets in two of our resident garages, our resident sustainability committee, and our beautiful Monarch butterfly program!

Educational Offerings: We continuously foster a culture of learning through presentations and collaborations with local eco-champions like ECO Maine, Garbage to Garden, and Portland Water.

🌍 Looking Ahead to a Greener Future

This certification is a commitment to the future. To maintain our status, we must increase our point totals during each recertification cycle.

Moving forward, the participation and the continued efforts of The Atrium Environmental Sustainability Group will be a significant part of our improvement strategy as we look for new projects to further reduce our environmental footprint.

We will also be scheduling a special educational session with Professor Jeremy  from UNE soon so residents can ask questions and learn more about this partnership. 

Thank you to everyone who helps make The Cedars a sustainable, forward-thinking place to call home.