Green Restaurant Certification
At Dalhousie Food Services, we’re passionate about doing more than just serving great food — we want to serve it responsibly. That’s why we’re proud to announce that our teams at Howe Hall Dining Hall and Dal Catering have officially earned certification from the Green Restaurant Association (GRA). This isn’t just a label — it’s a commitment to sustainability, accountability, and ongoing improvement.
What is the GRA certification?
The Green Restaurant Association is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to helping food-service operations reduce their environmental impact. To earn certification, a dining operation must meet rigorous criteria across areas like energy and water use, waste management, sustainable sourcing, green supplies, efficient kitchen practices and more.
Why it matters to us (and to you)
- Greener operations = less waste, fewer emissions, smarter use of resources — which lowers our impact on the planet.
- Better sourcing & practices = we’re making conscious choices about where our food comes from and how it’s prepared.
- Visible credibility = by being certified we’re showing students, staff and the wider community that we’re serious about sustainability.
- Continuous improvement = the certification process gives us measurable goals and benchmarks, helping us keep getting better.
Celebrating Howe Hall and Dal Catering
Howe Hall Dining Hall and Dal Catering have achieved 3-Star Certified Green Caterer and 3-Star Certified Green Restaurant® status from the Green Restaurant Association.
This dual recognition means both our main dining hub and our catering team are leaders in sustainable food service practices. It’s a big win for our entire community!
What this looks like in practice:
- Using energy-efficient equipment and lighting in kitchens and dining areas
- Reducing single-use packaging, promoting reusable and compostable service ware
- Sourcing ingredients more sustainably (local, seasonal, responsibly produced)
- Managing food waste and recycling more effectively
- Engaging our teams and dining guests in green behaviour
