the London, England-based Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA), in the very first instance of the SRA’s rating scheme implementation in North America. The global launch of the Rating complements the granting of the inaugural Sustainable Restaurant Award at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2013 ceremony on April 29. Organized by Restaurant magazine and sponsored by San Pellegrino, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list is an annual snapshot of the opinions and experiences of over 900 international restaurant industry experts.

The SRA announced the new global reach of its rating in conjunction with the unveiling of the 50 Best list, which receives worldwide press attention. According to the Association, restaurants across Asia, Africa, Europe and North America are lining up to take the Rating, with the aim of earning the covetedstars – called ‘the Michelin Stars of sustainability’ by The Sunday Times in the UK.

The Lodge, located within the UNESCO-recognized Southwest Nova Scotia Biosphere Reserve, has long received acclaim for its kitchen while also endeavouring to excel in eco-friendly and sustainable practices, earning 5 Green Keys and the Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award several years ago. “After reading about the worldwide launch of the Sustainable Restaurant Association program at the 50 Best Restaurant Awards, we contacted the Association in London to undergo an assessment,” said the Lodge’s co-owner Charles Leary. The Lodge has also offered cooking classes emphasizing sustainable seafood and local ingredients for over a decade. Scientific American termed Trout Point a “serious venue for culinary ecotourism” in 2009.

Mark Linehan, Managing Director of the SRA, said: “For