We work together to continually develop and implement sustainable solutions. Through Green Thread, our environmental sustainability platform, we bring innovative and efficient solutions to life. We are passionately focused on reducing the environmental impact within our operations. 

Green Restaurant Certified Logo
The Ville Grill earned 175.3 GreenPoints™ and is a 3 Star Certified Green Restaurant® under the Green Restaurant Association's rigorous standards in categories like water efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable food, and chemical and pollution reduction.

https://www.dinegreen.com/g/RES15039

Here are just a few ways we work to make our campus more environmentally conscious:

Local Purchasing

Local Purchasing

Did you know Dining Services sources food from many local Kentucky Proud ™ farmers, growers and distributors? The list changes throughout the year depending on seasonality and availability.  However, here is a sampling of a few of our partners: Courtney Farms, Clem’s Refrigerated Foods and Ohio Valley Food Connection.

Click here for a map.


Recycling

Recycling
Dining Services recycles from all dining locations across campus.  We are committed to minimizing our environmental footprint.  Look for signs in our locations for information on where to put your recyclables.

Compostable & Recyclable Containers

Containers
All of our to-go containers here at UofL are either recyclable, compostable, or reusable!

Waste Reduction

Waste

Our goal is to reduce waste as much as possible, first by source reduction, then donating edible food, and then composting what’s left. To encourage waste reduction, we have a 10 cent discount when you bring a reusable cup for your fountain drink!

Food Recovery Hierarchy

Food Donation
We donate all acceptable food items to multiple local agencies through our donation program, Food Donation Connection.

Compost
Our composting partner is WestRock Recycling. They are able to compost all organic matter, including bones, meat, and compostable packaging!

LeanPath
Our staff works to reduce food waste by using LeanPath, a platform which lets us monitor and analyze our waste patterns. LeanPath not only weighs waste, but also categorizes, takes pictures, and analyzes trends over time so we can continually improve our waste numbers.

Fryer Oil Recycling

Fryer Oil
One hundred percent of dining services used fryer oil is recycled. 

Managing Sustainability

Managing
UofL Dining Services has a full-time sustainability coordinator to ensure that sustainability is at the forefront of everything we do. 

Staff Training

Staff Training
We regularly train our staff in the best ways to reduce food, water, and energy waste.