Milestone Achieved Through Auxiliary and Business Services and Mason Dining’s Partnership with Chartwells Higher Education
FAIRFAX, Va. — George Mason University’s Auxiliary and Business Services (ABS), in collaboration with its dining partner Chartwells Higher Education, announced today that Mason Dining has earned a 3-Star Green Restaurant Association (GRA) Certification for all four residential dining halls. Southside, Ike’s, The Globe, and The Spot each achieved the 3-Star rating, which recognizes significant progress in sustainability practices across foodservice operations.
The Green Restaurant Association is a national nonprofit that evaluates dining programs on an extensive set of environmental criteria, including water and energy efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable food purchasing, and pollution prevention. Mason Dining’s certification reflects months of coordinated work between ABS and Chartwells to align each facility with the GRA’s high standards.
“This certification is an important step forward for the student dining experience at George Mason,” said Pascal Petter, Associate Vice President for Auxiliary and Business Services. “Our teams focused on improvements that reflect what matters most to our campus community, and we are proud to work with Chartwells to strengthen sustainable dining practices in a way that makes a real impact.”
Chartwells Higher Education supported the certification process with national expertise in sustainable operations, enhanced purchasing standards, and environmentally conscious culinary strategies. The Spot, George Mason’s newest dining hall, played a notable role in advancing plant-forward menu options that reduce environmental impact while expanding student choice.
“We are honored to partner with George Mason on this achievement,” said Lou Christopher, Vice President of Operations for Chartwells Higher Education. “A 3-Star Green Restaurant Association Certification across all residential dining halls demonstrates a deep and ongoing commitment to responsible operations. Our teams are already looking ahead to the next opportunities to further reduce waste, increase energy efficiency, and deliver an exceptional dining experience for students.”
Key sustainability improvements contributing to the certification include increased plant-forward menu options, expanded composting and food waste reduction practices, and upgrades to energy-efficient equipment throughout campus dining facilities.
The certification reinforces Mason Dining’s role as a leader in sustainable dining within higher education and supports the university’s broader commitment to environmental responsibility and student wellbeing.
For more information about sustainable dining at George Mason, visit Mason Dining’s Wellness and Sustainability Programs and initiatives.