Advancing Sustainable Procurement through Harvard's Waste Stewardship Strategy: Collaboration & Challenges

Brought to you by SPLC and our Higher Ed Partner NAEP

Harvard University recently unveiled its Zero Waste Framework, Accelerating a Zero Waste Future: A Framework for Waste Stewardship – a comprehensive waste reduction plan that includes sustainable purchasing, waste infrastructure, reuse systems, and more. In this session, you’ll hear from different Harvard staff who lead these waste reduction efforts and who work in strategic procurement and sustainability on campus. They’ll share insights into the development of the framework, opportunities for collaboration in a siloed environment, and plans for implementation.

Presenters:

Courtney Forrester, Waste Reduction and Compliance Lead, Harvard University

Courtney Forrester is the Waste Reduction and Compliance Lead at Harvard University, overseeing programs to ensure compliance with waste regulations and spearheading initiatives for zero waste stewardship. With over two decades of experience, she brings expertise in waste reduction from her work within local governments. Courtney is on the Board of Directors for the College University and Recycling Coalition and is also Chair of the Sustainability Committee for the Head Of The Charles Regatta in Cambridge, MA, and has led efforts to achieve a 48% waste diversion rate. Courtney holds an MS in Environmental Education from Antioch University and a BS in Environmental Science from the University of Delaware.

Dailey Brannin, Recycling Service Supervisor, Harvard University

Dailey Brannin is the Recycling Services Supervisor at Harvard University, where she plays a key leadership role in managing the university's recycling, composting, and reuse programs. She led the development of Harvard's university-wide zero waste plan, and continues work in waste education, data, and strategic planning. She is a certified TRUE Advisor, holds a Living Future Accreditation, and is a member of the national Zero Waste Campus Council and the Cambridge Recycling Advisory Council. She holds a Master’s degree in Extension Studies - Sustainability, a graduate certificate in Social Justice, and a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology.

Lauren Aiello, Director of Strategic Sourcing, Harvard University

Lauren Aiello is a senior leader in strategic sourcing, procurement, and supply chain management, with over 20 years of experience driving organizational value across global industries. As Director of Strategic Sourcing at Harvard University since 2017, Lauren leads a team overseeing $3 billion in annual spend, developing procurement strategies that have delivered more than $145 million in cost savings and $156 million in new spend under management since 2019. Previously, she held key leadership roles at Shire Pharmaceutical, Wellington Management, State Street, and American Express, successfully managing teams, multimillion-dollar budgets, category strategies, and vendor risk programs on an international scale.