This is an optional Innovation & Leadership (IL) credit. IL credits recognize institutions that are seeking innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and demonstrating sustainability leadership in ways that are not otherwise captured in STARS. Scoring in the Innovation and Leadership section is capped at 10 bonus points total.
Credit Language
IL 36: Red Listed Foods – version 3.0
Questions & Answers
How has this credit changed between STARS Version 2 and Version 3?
This new credit in STARS awards a bonus point to institutions that have eliminated the purchase of at least one food or beverage product type or production method due to its negative social, environmental, or health impacts. A comprehensive list of differences can be found in the STARS 3.0 Summary of changes.
What types of red-listed foods qualify in terms of bans and eliminations?
Any food or beverage product type or production method that has been banned or eliminated at the institution due to negative social, environmental, or health impacts may qualify. Examples include:
- Animal products from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) or the equivalent
- Bottled water
- Genetically modified foods
- Palm oil
- Red list fish and seafood products (e.g., products designated as “Avoid” or “Not Recommended”), as identified by Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch or a similar sustainable fish and seafood program.
Suggestions for Institutions
- Work with your institution’s dining services teams and/or similar to determine whether a ban on red-listed foods is in place, and/or to consider implementing such bans.
Potential Data Quality Issues
- Documentation must be provided that the institution and/or its contracted food service management company has banned or eliminated the purchase of at least one food or beverage product type or production method due to its negative social, environmental, or health impacts (e.g., palm oil, bottled water, or genetically modified foods).