Michelin, known for its tire brands and restaurant guide, also awarded a separate distinction for genuine commitments to sustainability. The Green Star recognized restaurants at the forefront of environmental and ethical practices in the industry.
The program was introduced across several editions of the following year's Michelin Guide in 2020 and considered ingredient provenance, seasonal produce, food waste systems, and resource management.
Similar to the more widely known Michelin star for culinary excellence, there was no fixed formula for the Green Star. Restaurants across the globe faced unique conditions because of their surrounding regions.
At one point, over 290 restaurants held the Green Star distinctions across the globe, but the program's impact on sustainability is still unclear.
Michelin announced earlier this month that the Green Star would be retired and replaced by Mindful Voices, a new editorial platform spotlighting individuals pioneering new approaches in gastronomy, hospitality, and wine.
The decision to retire the Green Star has been met with frustration from restaurants in the UK and Ireland who currently hold the distinction.
Critics argue that the award reflected a polished sustainability narrative over hard ecological data, as inspectors weren't actively auditing kitchens in any significant way.
The removal of the Green Star program may lead to a lack of transparency and accountability in the industry's commitment to sustainability.
The future of sustainable dining is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Michelin Guide's decision has sent shockwaves through the culinary world.
The Michelin Guide's decision to retire the Green Star program may have unintended consequences for the industry's commitment to sustainability.
