Fueling A Sustainable Future
We believe that creating a better world for generations to come starts today.
Our Collective Responsibility
At Western Kentucky University Restaurant Group , we’re committed to making a positive impact on campus and the community by focusing on responsible sourcing, reducing food waste, and offering nutritious meals made with responsible practices. From supporting local partners to making thoughtful choices in our dining operations, we’re working every day to build a more sustainable future. And you can be a part of the effort, too!
Initiatives on Campus
Here are a few of the things we’re doing on campus to manage our environmental performance:
- WKU Restaurant Group is proud to have two Certified Green Restaurants(r) across campus. Fresh Food Company is 4 Star Certified under the Green Restaurant Group Association's rigorous standards and Chick-fil-A is a Level 1 Certified Green Restaurant(r).
- We purchase local, seasonal, and responsibly raised, grown and sourced products whenever possible. We firmly believe responsible sourcing has a direct impact on people, animals, and the environment. We engage suppliers and partners to source environmentally and socially responsible products. We also host and participate in many events in Bowling Green, including Earth Day Festival, Market on the Avenue, and the Farmers Market!
- WKU Restaurant Group partners with campus to recycle cardboard and used cooking oil from all restaurants across campus. We are committed to minimizing our environmental footprint. Look for signs in our locations for information on where to put your recyclables.
- WKU Restaurant Group composts pre-consumer food in all locations and post-consumer food waste in Fresh Food Company.
Prioritizing Planetary Health
Pursuing big goals requires dedication, problem solving, and planning. We use the four topics below to guide our efforts when putting sustainable practices into action on our path to net zero emissions.
Source Sustainably
We source products that meet our high standards for protection of people, animals, biodiversity, and the environment. We adopt responsible, ethical, and inclusive sourcing practices that benefit our local and global economies, the community we serve, and our planet.
Minimize Food Waste
We reduce food waste by focusing on prevention, recovery, and recycling. Our dining locations track food waste using a variety of methods, enabling us to make better decisions about what to purchase and how much to prepare.
Embed Circularity
By redesigning operations with circularity in mind, we reduce consumption of single-use plastics and other disposables, and expand opportunities to reuse, recycle, and compost.
Operate Efficiently
Through efficient operational practices, we conserve water and energy, and reduce fuel consumption. Our proactive efforts aim to optimize resources without compromising our hospitality standards.
Climate Friendly Menus
Offering more plant-forward and lower carbon menu items supports the planet and the health and wellness of our students.
