Columbia Dining Recognized in the AASHE 2021 Sustainable Campus Index

Columbia Dining received the sixth place spot, ranking third among U.S. universities, in the area of Food & Dining.

November 16, 2021

At Columbia Dining, sustainable practices drive our purchasing decisions, menu development, and physical operations. We are certified as a Level 1 Green Restaurant establishment, which means we meet standards for water efficiency, waste reduction and recycling, sustainable goods, energy, reusable and disposable items, and chemical/pollution reduction. Approximately 58% of all food served is purchased from vendors within 250 miles of the Morningside campus, and we provide a wide range of daily vegan and vegetarian options to reduce our carbon footprint. 

It is an honor to have our commitment to sustainability recognized in The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)'s 2021 Sustainable Campus Index. Columbia Dining received the sixth place spot, ranking third among U.S. universities, in the area of Food & Dining.

“We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to reduce our environmental footprint while providing best-in-class service to our Columbia community,” said Scott Wright, Vice President of Campus Services. “Now is the time for every department at Columbia to integrate sustainability into their work.” 

The AASHE 2021 Sustainable Campus Index highlights top-performing colleges and universities overall and in 17 impact areas. Columbia has placed in the top ten in these categories, as well as earning an overall Gold rating, for the past six years. This year, Columbia Transportation was also recognized and was ranked first for United States universities and second overall in the area of transportation.