With your vote, UNC Charlotte’s Jerry Richardson Stadium could win gold for going green, and we don’t mean the 49er colors. UNC Charlotte is one of four finalists in the “Large” category for the Charlotte Chamber-Wells Fargo Green Awards! Your vote could decide the victor.

We really do want you to vote early and often – and by that we mean daily – at the competition website. The finalist that gets the most votes through Oct. 31 will win, but you can only vote once per day.

The 2014 Wells Fargo Green Awards recognize member companies who have incorporated innovative, sustainable practices in the products they produce, the services they provide, and within the culture of their company. The “Large” Category is for businesses with more than 50 employees. Other finalists are Environmental Holdings Group LLC, Hyatt Place Charlotte Downtown and Ingersoll Rand Co.

UNC Charlotte’s project – zero waste at Jerry Richardson Stadium

UNC Charlotte hopes to win with its efforts for zero waste at the football stadium – a goal first proposed by students. Reaching that goal requires significant campus- and community-wide commitment, collaboration, creative thinking, and a comprehensive education plan. The result: 82 percent of the waste generated during six home games was recycled (6.92 tons) or made into compost (12.99 tons), and 286 gallons of fryer oil were converted to biofuel. UNC Charlotte proved during the Charlotte 49ers 2013 inaugural football season that a zero-waste facility is achievable, and that sharply reducing a stadium’s ecological footprint is socially and financially beneficial.

How we can help UNC Charlotte win

• Go to the VOTE LINK every day through Oct. 31 and vote for UNC Charlotte.
• Send this information to all of your friends, and get them to vote, too!