According to research conducted by the Higher Education Authority and the NUS, over 80% of students consistently believe that Sustainable Development should be actively incorporated and promoted by Universities.
Julie Barker, TUCO Chair, said: "Working in partnership with the SRA, TUCO has developed a ratings model that is sector specific to our market - a model which recognises the bespoke challenges faced by those operating in the Higher Education sector while retaining its unique integrity through the way it is scored.”
The rating is built around the three pillars of sustainability: Sourcing, Environment and Society and membership benefits include a dedicated, expert advice and support service to help them improve year on year.
The universities at Brighton and Plymouth played a crucial role in modelling and testing the new rating. Both received an exceptional score, Three Stars – the highest rating.
The University of Brighton’s Three Star rating reflected a number of notable initiatives, including its Marine Stewardship Council chain of custody certification, which ensures all the seafood it serves is from sustainable sources, it’s commitment to selling Fairtrade products at catering sites across campus the cookery classes and its use of renewable energy.
Julie Barker, in her capacity as Director of Accommodation and Hospitality at the University of Brighton, said: "I am, of course, delighted by the exceptional score achieved by University of Brighton, which is the first University to have been awarded this accreditation.
“The Report was welcomed by the Brighton team - which now feels it has a benchmark to strive to beat. Whilst we were very happy with the outcome, we also recognise that we can make improvement – the process has challenged us to find the areas we can do better in.”
The SRA was particularly struck by Plymouth University’s commitment to source from local producers exemplified by the 5,000 portions of locally caught fish served annually and the switch to Freedom Food charcuterie from Bristol.
Mark Linehan, managing director of the SRA, said: “Whilst pupils are catered for by the School Food Plan, the University Catering Rating provides similar focus on the next age group up, students, with the opportunity to eat locally produced food that isn’t costing the earth. We are indebted to TUCO, as well as the University of Brighton and Plymouth University for taking the initiative and helping to make sustainable university catering a reality.”