UCR Dining Services Sustainability

At UC Riverside, sustainability is at the heart of our dining services. We are committed to promoting responsible food practices and reducing our environmental impact through a range of initiatives in sustainable foodservice, procurement, waste management, energy conservation, and water use reduction.

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Sustainable Food Service

We strive to provide guests with nutritious and sustainable dining options. Approximately 20% of our menu offerings are vegan, and 30% are vegetarian, supporting a plant-forward approach to food. Our commitment to sustainability includes:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through globally-inspired, plant-based menu options.
- Partnering with the American Humane Society to offer hands-on plant-based culinary training for our chefs.
- Hosting regular tabling and demonstration events to help nudge diners towards more sustainable food choices.
- Educating employees through quarterly sustainability training to enhance their knowledge and practices.

Sustainable Procurement

We track and prioritize the purchase of ethically and sustainably sourced foods, aligning with the AASHE STARS 2.2 framework. In the 2021-22 year, 5% of our food spend was on ethically sourced products, and 29% on plant-based items. Our procurement efforts include:
- Sourcing coffee that is Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance Certified, and USDA Organic.
- Procuring seafood that aligns with Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch Best Choices and Good Alternatives.
- Using BPI-certified compostable food packaging since 2006 and green cleaning chemicals.

Recycling & Waste Management

Reducing waste and promoting recycling are core components of our sustainability efforts. Since 2009, we’ve been composting food waste, saving 2,417 metric tons of CO2 emissions – equivalent to removing 538 cars from the road for a year. Additional initiatives include:
- Donating surplus food to local organizations, such as Inland Harvest and R’Pantry.
- Reducing food waste with FoodPro, our inventory and production management system.
- Recycling 100% of our used cooking oil.

Energy & Climate Protection

We are dedicated to reducing our carbon footprint through energy-efficient practices. Many of our facilities are LEED-certified, including the Dundee/Glasgow project and Glen Mor housing. Additionally, we’ve implemented several energy-saving measures:
- Use of Energy Star-certified kitchen equipment in new constructions and replacements.
- Efficient lighting with compact fluorescent and LED fixtures.
- Reduced energy consumption in refrigeration and exhaust systems.

Water Use Reduction

Water conservation is a top priority in our dining operations. Our trayless dining service saves over 5,000 gallons of water per week, and we have installed low-flow aerators and recirculating dishwashing sinks to reduce water use. Other initiatives include:
- Replacing garbage disposals with strainers, saving up to 6,000 gallons of water daily.
- Using Energy Star-certified dishwashers at Glasgow Residential Restaurant.