Catering in UK universities and colleges has taken another major step forward with the announcement of the largest official sector-backed sustainability programme.
The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO) has confirmed that it is to build on the success of the first year of its relationship with the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) and launch a co-branded programme to enable UK universities and colleges to put sustainability at the core of their catering operation.
As part of the agreement TUCO members will receive a discount on joining the SRA, and an ongoing reduction for the lifetime of their membership.
Hugely important issue
Mike Haslin, Chief Operating Officer of TUCO, announced the initiative at the organisation’s Annual Conference in London.
He said: “Sustainability remains a hugely important issue for our members, and indeed the wider catering community. As an organisation we strive to lead the way on finding innovative solutions to the wider challenges – our partnership with the SRA is a key part of this programme.
“It is important to recognise that the challenges faced by the higher education sector in meeting sustainability targets are entirely unique. In developing this unique accreditation model with the SRA we are helping to ensure there is a level playing field for higher education caterers which will not only support those looking to grow their CSR policies but highlight those already doing great work.”
Successful pilot
Chair of TUCO, Julie Barker added: “Following the successful pilot of the scheme, during which we tested the relevancy of the criteria to university catering departments and the genuine impact the programme could have on meeting individual institutions sustainability targets, we are delighted to be announcing close links to the SRA on behalf of members.”
TUCO and the SRA announced in July 2014 that they had worked together to develop a University & College Catering Programme to help raise dining standards across the sector and meet increasing student demand for eating out that does not cost the earth.
18 Universities and Colleges have joined SRA
The SRA rating was built and piloted with substantial support from Plymouth University and University of Brighton and has attracted very wide interest. A further 18 universities and colleges have joined the SRA in the last 12 months including; University of Manchester, University of Edinburgh, Aberystwyth University and St John’s College, Cambridge.
Both the University of Brighton and Plymouth University received the highest possible rating from the SRA – Three Stars. Darren Proctor, Executive Head Chef, said: “The ongoing support and advice we receive from our Sustainability Account Manager at the SRA is absolutely invaluable. Previously we were stabbing in the dark, now we know what we’re aiming at.”
Mark Linehan, Managing Director of the SRA, said: “We believed that our programme would be well received by universities and colleges because it provides them not just with a holistic assessment of their whole operation, but also with dedicated ongoing support through our team of experts, to help them go further and do more.
“We are really pleased that TUCO has confirmed our model for its official sustainability programme, and together we are confident we can make a big impact and help the sector reach its potential.”
How universities and colleges 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%.
For more information about the University & College Catering Rating, contact leigh@thesra.org
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