In 2019, the University of Pittsburgh joined other global leaders in signing the CoolFood Pledge, a World Resources Institute program. The goal of the CoolFood Pledge is to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are associated with served and prepared foods. Currently, the University has committed to reducing its GHG by 25% by 2030.
The University and Pitt Eats confidentially report all food purchase amounts by weight each year. Using a peer-reviewed method, the CoolFood Calculator determines the climate impact of the food we serve. This data is reviewed in annual reports by both the University and Pitt Eats.
Using data from the CoolFood Calculator, Pitt Eats chefs, managers, and sustainability staff implement strategies to increase plant-rich dishes served following recommendations developed by WRI in the Playbook.
CoolFood Pledge data and reports will soon be made public on the University of Pittsburgh’s Sustainability Dashboard.