by Ann Withanee — December 23, 2011—Uncommon Ground is distinguished with the honor of being named the Greenest Restaurant in the country by the Green Restaurant Association (GRA), according to a recent announcement. Among its green achievements, Uncommon Ground implemented 116 environmental steps to earn a 4 Star Certified Green Restaurant in 2011.
The independently owned and operated restaurant produces no waste, powers its vehicle with used fryer oil, and harnesses the sun to heat its water. Not only does Common Ground use locally sourced and sustainable products, it also relies for produce from its own Rooftop Farm. In fact, owners Michael and Helen Cameron boast the first certified organic rooftop farm in the nation.
With two locations in Chicago, Uncommon Ground is celebrating its 20th anniversary at the Lakeview establishment. The Devon location just celebrated its fourth anniversary and was named the number one Green Restaurant in America, with the Lakeview location topping the list at number two.
Each Certified Green Restaurant goes through a thorough process of certification to meet the Green Restaurant Association’s rigorous environmental standards. The GRA vets each step that each restaurant implements and audits each restaurant annually.
“We are proud of Uncommon Ground’s incredible accomplishment of becoming the Greenest Restaurants in the Country,” says Michael Oshman, Green Restaurant Association Founder and CEO. “Uncommon Ground is leading the way for American restaurants and the American economy, demonstrating that green practices are both good for the planet and the bottom line. Common Ground has truly raised the bar today of what all restaurants can accomplish.”
In addition to being named the Top Green Restaurant in America, Uncommon Ground has racked up an impressive who’s who of awards in the industry.
