USA. Paradies Lagardère has secured the Certified Green Restaurant status from Green Restaurant Association (GRA) across 210 of its 213 airport dining locations, reflecting its commitment to raising sustainability standards.
The achievement builds on the company’s year-long partnership with the non-profit group, which has been supporting restaurants in advancing sustainability practices since 1990.
With more than 5,000 environmental steps taken across its restaurant network, Paradies Lagardère secured over 21,450 GreenPoints, meeting GRA’s rigorous standards.
Based on national restaurant averages, sustainability efforts at these 210 locations can save up to 7.6 million kWh of energy (equivalent to about 1,130 cars removed from the road) and 6.6 million gallons of water (equivalent to about 605 average backyard swimming pools), while diverting 5.8 million lbs of waste from the landfill.
These initiatives also help travellers minimise their environmental impact by choosing to Dine Green during their flights.
The GRA certifies restaurants on energy and water efficiency, waste reduction and other key metrics, with Paradies Lagardère’s Level 1 status reflecting documented progress across these standards.
By completing a wide range of improvements in energy, water, waste, reusables & disposables, chemicals & pollution, and food, the company’s 210 dining outlets have achieved Level 1 Certified Green Restaurant status.
Paradies Lagardère continues advancing toward full certification across its portfolio in close collaboration with a remaining brand partner.
Paradies Lagardère Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Valerie Davis said, “This milestone reflects the passion and teamwork of so many people across our company.
“We’re incredibly proud to see our airport restaurants become Certified Green Restaurants. It’s a big step forward in our journey to make airport dining more sustainable and to show that even in fast-paced travel environments, meaningful environmental action is possible.”
GRA CEO and Founder Michael Oshman added: “I applaud Paradies Lagardère on the certification. The environmental practices of Paradies Lagardère and their 210 locations are a significant step forward for the restaurant industry and environmental change.
“They set an example for others to follow in their footsteps and show that it’s possible for any location to change their environmental footprint today.”
GRA’s standards are developed through more than 35 years’ research in restaurants and the environment.
To achieve certification, restaurants must earn a minimum threshold of GreenPoints across eight categories: Energy, Water, Waste, Reusables & Disposables, Chemicals & Pollution, Food, Building & Furnishing, and Education & Transparency.
Paradies Lagardère Senior Vice President of Operations – Dining Division Leigh Allan said, “We hope to set a powerful example for how large-scale foodservice operations can adopt environmentally responsible practices that make a measurable difference.”
The company reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the GRA to reach higher certification levels, as part of its wider sustainability strategy addressing responsible sourcing, waste reduction and carbon impact. 
