Taste Imperial menus to feature environmental impact labels

Imperial is trialling a new carbon labelling scheme on selected Taste Imperial menus as part of its new Sustainable Food and Drink Policy, which will be released soon.

La Cantina in the Junior Common Room is already displaying the labels. The roll-out will continue with static menus, with the aim of having all menus carbon--labelled by the end of 2026.

The labels follow My Emissions’ labelling scheme, which assigns a rating from ‘A’ (low impact) to ‘E’ (high impact) to menu items based on their carbon footprint.

 My Emissions’ calculation methodologymethodology covers “at least all emissions from farm to store,” including scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. ‘A’ ratings indicate the meal emits less than 1.75 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalents per kilogram of food, which is aligned with the EAT-Lancet Commission’s recommendations for a healthy diet within planetary boundariesdiet that respects planetary boundaries..

Evidence on the effectiveness of carbon labels at changing dietary choices is mixed. A study conducted at a university in Maryland, USA, found that only 33% of students noticed the new labels in their dining halls. Moreover, 56% stated that the labels did not affect their food choices.

Another study found that carbon labels are most effective as deterrents - customers are more likely to avoid items labelled as “high-impact” than they are to opt for low-impact meals.

While catering supply chain emissions are out of scope of Imperial’s 2040 net zero target, the university has committed to take “practical steps” to lower its scope 3 footprint.

As part of its Sustainable Food and Drink Policy, Imperial has already achieved its aim to phase out beef from all Taste Imperial menus. 

The policy is one of many features of the university’s sustainability strategy undergoing reform. A consultation period is now open for students to provide their feedback on current initiatives.