Polytechnique Montréal, a renowned engineering school in Montreal, has taken a significant step towards reducing its carbon footprint by eliminating beef from its cafeteria menus.
The decision to remove beef options from the school’s six food stalls, which collectively cater to approximately 2,500 meals a day for 10,000 students, was implemented in September. This move was motivated by the desire to curb greenhouse gas emissions, with beef previously accounting for over half of the cafeterias’ environmental impact.
According to Patrick Cigana, the director of Polytechnique’s office of sustainable development, the University of Oxford’s research platform has highlighted that beef production generates ten times more carbon emissions than chicken.
Feedback from students has been positive, with many expressing support for the transition. Imane Chafi, the 26-year-old president of the Polytechnique graduate student association, shared her enthusiasm for the new menus, stating that they have inspired her to explore a more diverse range of food options.
Polytechnique Montréal, which is affiliated with Université de Montréal, proudly declares itself as the first post-secondary institution in North America to proactively cease the provision of beef to students.
