Reusable takeout containers and composting programs are helping Trent University serve up more sustainable dining across its campuses. The Durham GTA campus dining room recently earned a 4-star Green Restaurant Certification from the Green Restaurant Association, the first for a food service location at Trent and one of only four in Ontario. 

“Trent has a long-standing commitment to sustainability that shapes what we teach and how we operate our campuses,” said Glenn Craney, vice-president of Trent University's Durham GTA campus. “This recognition reflects our determination to lead by example and make responsible choices part of everyday campus life. We want everyone who spends time here to have opportunities to put sustainability into practice, and ensuring they can do that when they're getting a bite to eat has a daily and additive impact.” 

Since receiving a three-star certification in 2022, University Food Services employees, Trent's Sustainability Office, and Chartwells staff worked together to continue improving the Durham dining hall performance. They implemented 59 environmental initiatives, including improvements in energy-efficient equipment, energy and water consumption, waste diversion, reusable alternatives to disposable items, and chemical use. Local and fair-trade food sourcing, building design and furnishings, and sustainability education were also among the initiatives to improve the dining hall's environmental performance.  

Through these efforts, the dining hall saved 48,200 kWh of electricity (equivalent to removing about seven passenger vehicles off the road for one year), 128,700 litres of water (about three backyard swimming pools), and $1,700 per month in energy and water costs. The dining hall exceeded the total points required for a four-star recognition through audits and a review of operations. 

“Earning this four-star recognition is a proud moment for our team and a reflection of our strong partnership with Trent University," said Dean Duff, regional vice president, Chartwells Higher Education. "We've worked together to make sustainability a part of how we operate, from reducing waste and conserving resources to offering more sustainable food options. This recognition means a lot to everyone involved, and we're excited to build on what we've achieved together." 

The Durham GTA campus dining hall is among several dining halls at Trent with a Green Restaurant Certification, with Lady Eaton College and Gzowski College dining halls holding three-star certifications. Building sustainability into food service operations supports Trent's goals of becoming a zero-waste campus (90 percent waste diversion). The University currently diverts about 80 percent of waste from landfills.  

Sustainable development is also a key element of Gidigaa Migizi College and the new OC Residence being built on Trent's Symons Campus in Peterborough. With geothermal heating systems and a new dining hall, Gidigaa Migizi College will aim to meet the high standard of green and efficient operations when it opens in 2029. 

Learn more about Food Services at Trent Durham GTA.