Polytechnique Montréal removes beef from cafeteria menus to cut emissions

A Montreal engineering school says it has removed beef from its cafeterias to reduce its carbon footprint.

Polytechnique Montréal started removing beef options in September from its six food stalls that serve about 2,500 meals a day to 10,000 students.

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Patrick Cigana, director of Polytechnique’s office of sustainable development, says beef used to account for more than half of the cafeterias’ greenhouse gas emissions.

He cited a University of Oxford research platform saying beef produces ten times the carbon emissions of chicken.

Students approached today by The Canadian Press said they loved the changes.

Imane Chafi, 26, president of the Polytechnique graduate student association, says the new menus encourage her to eat more diversified food.

Polytechnique Montréal, affiliated with Université de Montréal, says it’s the first post-secondary institution in North America to stop offering students beef.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 27, 2026.