NCS Dining Hall Is Again Certified as Green

National Cathedral School's dining room has been re-certified as a Green Restaurant, one of only two independent schools in the Washington, D.C., region so recognized by the Green Restaurant Association.

The Davis Dining Hall has been a two-star Green Restaurant since 2013, and the GRA's announcement means that designation will continue through the 2016-2017 school year. The association evaluates restaurants and food service providers on environmentally friendly practices. It found that, under the leadership of Director of Dining Services Juliana Grayson, NCS has implemented 52 environmental steps and improved its previous GRA score by more than 50% over a two-year period.

NCS earned particularly high marks for providing sustainable food and waste reduction. The GRA noted that NCS recycles everything commercially possible in Washington and that 25% of NCS's main dishes are vegan and an additional 14% are vegetarian. The school also scored well in its usage of energy, chemicals, water, and disposable items.

A commitment to environmental sustainability is a strategic priority at NCS, and it began pursuing GRA certification in 2013. Some of the changes made to the dining hall have included installing energy-efficient light bulbs and kitchen equipment and water-saving devices. The school also started a composting program for all food waste, thereby keeping about 85% of dining hall trash out of landfills.

Congratulations to the entire Dining Services staff and FLIK Independent School Dining for this recognition and for contributing to the ongoing greening of NCS. We are very grateful for all they do daily in providing us with delicious, healthy, and environmentally friendly meals.

Be sure to check out the new certificate, posted just outside the Davis Dining Room in Hearst Hall.