Sustainable retail
The Sustainable Retail framework has been created to support and encourage RMIT retailers towards becoming more sustainable in their day-to-day operations.
Participating RMIT retailers have up to 20 environmental or social sustainability initiatives they can implement and are awarded a bronze, silver or gold rating depending on the number of sustainability initiatives they have achieved.
| Food servced takes into account cultural and religious dietary requirements |
At least three waste streams present in back of house areas | Provide dine-in option for customers | Participate in the trial of coffee cup and container leasing model | Serve plastic-free cutlery and takeaway containers |
| Review portion sizes and implement strategy to minimise food waste | Eductate customers on sustainability initiatives through various communication channels | Serve free drinking water to customers | Serve vegetarian and vegan meals daily | Increase the proportion of vegetable dishes and purchase only high welfare meat |
| Provide discounts to customers that BYO containers and coffee cups | Purchase products from local or fair trade suppliers | Participate in sustainability events throughout the year | Participate in the rollout of food and organics waste collection | Phase out single-use straws and plastic bags |
| Partner with local food banks to donate excess food |
Drive social outcomes by offering student opportunities or supporting social enterprise |
Phase out single-use plastic drink bottles | Develop menus which use seasonal fruit and vegetables | Phase out single-use coffee cups |
Note: You can also view the above table via 20 sustainability initiatives (PDF 60 KB).
The ratings can be found displayed on-campus to promote RMIT retailers sustainability initiatives and to help staff and students make sustainable choices when dining on campus.
In January 2020, the RMIT Sustainability team assessed and awarded the sustainability performance of 11 RMIT retailers. The rating achieved by each retailer are:
To find out more about our campus cafes, visit the Campus faciliites web page.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.