RADFORD – Radford University Dining Services has been awarded “Virginia Green” certification as an environmentally friendly restaurant by Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and joined an elite group of five other university food service providers and more than 80 restaurants across the state.

Virginia Green is Virginia’s campaign to promote environmentally-friendly practices in all aspects of Virginia’s tourism industry and is a partnership of the Virginia DEQ, the Virginia Hospitality & Tourism Association and the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

“We are doing everything we can to do the right thing and lead the way,” said Ben Southard, resident district manager for Chartwell’s. “This is one more important step by Chartwells and Compass Group to make a healthier and sustainable campus.”

Virginia Green has established "core activities" specific to each sector of tourism, and these practices are considered the required minimum for participation in the program.

To earn Virginia Green certification, Radford University Dining Services implemented programs to eliminate the use of styrofoam and minimize disposables, recycle grease, recycle and reduce other waste and products, use water efficiently and conserve energy.