Tulane dining halls earn Green Restaurant certifications

Tulane University's commitment to sustainability was recognized this year when its two residential dining halls were named three-star Certified Green Restaurants by the Green Restaurant Association. The honors make Tulane the only university in the New Orleans area whose dining halls received the certification.

The Dining Room at the Malkin Sacks Commons and Green Wave Grille received the certifications for sustainable practices such as purchasing fresh, locally sourced food, composting food waste with local company Schmelly’s Dirt Farm and donating surplus meals to the community.

Reducing energy and water usage via low-flow fixtures and limiting harmful chemicals in dishwashing and custodial efforts also helped the dining halls earn high marks.  

The Dining Room at the Malkin Sacks Commons earned more than 218 certification points, while Green Wave Grille earned more than 205, both exceeding the requirements for three-star certification.

“This is the result of a full-team effort in recognizing opportunities to improve our sustainable practices,” said Emily Slazer, sustainability manager for Tulane Hospitality. “Tulane students deserve a world-class, ecologically sound dining program, and our staff brings that mindset to every service period, every day.”

The certifications reflect a broader commitment to sustainability across Tulane Hospitality. In 2025, a reusable container program called ReusePass saved more than 16,600 gallons of water and prevented more than 17,300 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. Through Tulane Hospitality’s collaborations with student organizations, including Students Against Food Insecurity and the Food Recovery Network, more than 2,000 unused meals were donated to the New Orleans Mission.