As English schools prepare to adopt the School Food Plan from September, Higher Education is now stepping up to the plate by feeding the minds as well as the stomachs of its students with the launch of a pioneering sustainability accreditation for university catering.
New University Catering Rating
The Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) and The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO) have worked together to develop the new University Catering Rating, which will not only help raise dining standards across UK universities, but also makes good business sense.
According to research conducted by the Higher Education Authority and the NUS, over 80% of students consistently believe that Sustainable Development should be actively incorporated and promoted by Universities.
Julie Barker, TUCO Chair, said: “Working in partnership with the SRA, TUCO has developed a ratings model that is sector specific to our market – a model which recognises the bespoke challenges faced by those operating in the Higher Education sector while retaining its unique integrity through the way it is scored.”
Sourcing, Environment and Society
The rating follows the format that the SRA has used successfully over the last four years to assess the business-wide operation of its 4,000 restaurant Member sites. The rating is built around the three pillars of sustainability: Sourcing, Environment and Society and membership benefits include a dedicated, expert advice and support service to help them improve year on year.
Brighton University
The universities at Brighton and Plymouth played a crucial role in modelling and testing the new rating. Both received an exceptional score, Three Stars – the highest rating.
The University of Brighton’s Three Star rating reflected a number of notable initiatives, including its Marine Stewardship Council chain of custody certification, which ensures all the seafood it serves is from sustainable sources, it’s commitment to selling Fairtrade products at catering sites across campus the cookery classes and its use of renewable energy.
Julie Barker, in her capacity as Director of Accommodation and Hospitality at the University of Brighton, said: “I am, of course, delighted by the exceptional score achieved by University of Brighton, which is the first University to have been awarded this accreditation.
“I would urge that other universities and TUCO members also give real consideration to take advantage of this accreditation that is highly relevant and beneficial.”
Plymouth University
Pictured above: Darren Procter, Head Chef, Plymouth University
The SRA was particularly struck by Plymouth University’s commitment to source from local producers exemplified by the 5,000 portions of locally caught fish served annually and the switch to Freedom Food charcuterie from Bristol.
Equally impressive are its efforts to reduce its environmental footprint, evident in the compostable disposables and the work it’s doing with local schools. By transforming the carbohydrate heavy, standard canteen menu at one of its cafes, to one based on a range of healthy options made from locally sourced ingredients, Plymouth has increased turnover by 230%.
Ian Gribben, Commercial Services Director at Plymouth University, said: “It’s easy for us to sometimes forget we are doing something because it is right, tastes better or has value. We think this will help our awareness campaigns and prompt us to be more pro-active in our marketing. We feel the balance between the moral, ethical, and financial values works very well in helping target and support local businesses, British producers and local foods.”
How universities are rated
The SRA Sustainability Rating involves completing a survey, providing answers and evidence to questions across 14 areas of sustainability. Universities complete the online survey answering questions about the provenance of their food, including bought-in sandwiches, soft drinks, flour and palm oil, as well as their energy, waste and water efficiency in their canteens, cafés and restaurants. The survey also includes an assessment of their staff treatment and community engagement. The SRA then assesses the results and rates the university accordingly.
Three-Star Sustainability Champions – These universities have demonstrated exceptional all round sustainability, scoring consistently well across every category totalling at least 70%.
Two-Star Sustainability Champions – These universities have demonstrated excellent all round sustainability, scoring at least 60%.
One-Star Sustainability Champions – These universities have demonstrated good all round sustainability, scoring at least 50%.
Pictured top: local vegetables used at Plymouth University with food miles ‘price tags’
To join the SRA or for more information about the University Catering Rating, contact hello@thesra.org or 020 7479 4224.
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