OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENT: Green Seal Proposed Environmental Standard for Restaurants and Food Service

October 10, 2008
Green Seal™ is a not-for-profit, independent certification and standard development body, devoted to promoting environmental sustainability through environmental standard-setting, product certification, and public education. Green Seal is working to continuously develop new standards to match current environmental concerns and the ever-increasing demand for green products and services.

According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2008 Restaurant Industry Forecast, more than six out of ten consumers say they are likely to choose a restaurant based on its environmental efforts. The sustainability efforts of many restaurants have already gone beyond energy conservation, to include sourcing of sustainable and local foods and beverages; biodegradable single use products; green building materials and buildings; and use of renewable energy. With the growing interest and undertakings, an environmental standard and certification program that provides a comprehensive framework and recognizes leadership in this industry is needed. As a result, Green Seal is initiating the development of an Environmental Standard for Restaurants and Food Service Operations, GS-46. The intent of this standard will be to reduce, to the extent technically and economically feasible, the environmental and health impacts associated with operational aspects (the products, equipment, processes, and procedures) of the food service industry.

The Proposed Standard is now available for public review. The proposed standard, the background document, and additional information on this project can be found at the project web site: http://www.greenseal.org

This public review process is a key step to involve all stakeholders in the development of this standard. Green Seal welcomes comment from all interested parties. For public review of its proposed standards, Green Seal considers each written comment, conducts follow-up research as needed, and modifies the Proposed Standard accordingly, with a written response to the comment or group of comments on the issue. A Draft Final Standard will then follow with an additional review by stakeholders before the standard is issued and available for certification.
Comments will be submitted through an online forum system until November 26, 2008. To post comments on the on-line forum, one must register to use the forum. All users will be able to view all comments and the username of the commenter. Forum registration is open to all interested parties until the deadline. To register as a user and access the forum:
      ·    Click on the following URL: http://green-seal.org/standards
      ·    Register an account; for the username please use first initial and full last name (e.g., J Smith); select “GS-46 Restaurants and Food Service Operations”;     include your organization (this will not be viewable by other users); review the disclaimer information; click Register.
      ·    You should receive a welcome email from the Green Seal Development Forum within one business day. Please take this time into account as the deadline approaches. Green Seal has administrative rights to the forum to ensure proper use of the online forum.

We look forward to working with you on this project and receiving your comments on the Proposed Standard. If you have questions you can email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 202-872-6400.

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