Washington State University’s Dining Services is pleased to share its dining facilities rank among the best in that nation for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and offering plant-based food. The Humane Society of the Unites States released its first Protein Sustainability Scorecard (PDF) and ranked WSU sixth among 39 colleges and universities participating in the survey and was awarded a letter grade of “A” for its sustainability efforts.
According to the Humane Society, global food production accounts for up to 37% of all human-made greenhouse gas emissions. Animal products, such as meat and dairy, have a much larger environmental footprint compared to plant-based foods. Since college and university dining operations serve millions of meals each year, they can play a large role in mitigating harmful emissions by reducing the volume of animal products and increasing plant-based food offerings on their menus.
The sustainability report praises WSU for being one of the first universities to set a plant-based goal with the Humane Society, and being the first among those listed in the report to sign the Forward Food Pledge in 2021. Dining Services is on track to hit its goal of serving 40% plant-based meals by 2026.
