How Point Loma Nazarene University gave its sustainable dining a boost

Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), a private Christian liberal arts college in San Diego, California, is dedicated to improving the sustainability of its dining program. 

And its hard work is paying off. 

The school recently increased its Green Restaurant Association certification from two stars to three stars, recognition PLNU said is due to its push to increase vegan and vegetarian dining options. 

“Achieving this three-star rating reflects our dedication to making dining at PLNU as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible,” PLNU Dining General Manager Timothy Fessler said in a statement. “By incorporating more plant-based options and working with partners like FreshPoint (a sustainable produce distributor), we’ve been able to offer healthier choices while lowering our environmental footprint.”

The nonprofit Green Restaurant Association was founded in 1990 with a mission to encourage restaurants and foodservice operations to be more sustainable, using science-based certification standards. 

The organization’s highest rating is four stars, achieved by earning “GreenPoints” in categories such as energy, water, waste, disposables, chemicals, food, building, and education and transparency. 

To achieve any level of certification, all operations must refrain from using polystyrene foam and must participate in a recycling program. In some cities, composting is also required for certification. 

To earn three stars, foodservice operations must earn at least 175 GreenPoints. 

In addition to adding more plant-based menu options, PLNU also worked to reduce single-use items, improve recycling and source sustainable produce, the college said. 

PLNU Dining also focuses on energy efficiency, eco-friendly cleaning products and sustainable waste management.

“This accomplishment is part of PLNU’s larger mission to provide students with nutritious and environmentally sustainable dining options, creating a healthier campus and a greener future,” PLNU said in a statement. 

PLNU offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs, serving more than 4,600 students across several campuses in San Diego County and Bakersfield, California.