The controversial move follows months of speculation that the Green Stars were set to be axed.
In October, Michelin insisted the Green Stars remained part of its restaurant recognition system following claims that the awards were being dropped by food writer Nicholas Gill.
Writing on his Substack, New Worlder, in a post titled Michelin Is Quietly Dropping Its Green Stars, Gill said Michelin had removed Green Star listings from its website and from its distinctions search function.
At the time, Michelin denied the reports, but it has now confirmed the rating system is coming to an end.
Earlier this year, at the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland awards, seven restaurants received Green Stars, taking the total number of Green Star restaurants in the UK and Ireland to 44.
The Green Star was available to restaurants awarded Michelin stars, a Bib Gourmand or plate distinction.
It debuted in the Michelin Guide France 2020 and in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland the following year.
Michelin says it awards the rating - originally called a clover - to restaurants that focus on ‘preserving resources and embracing biodiversity, reducing food waste and reducing the consumption of nonrenewable energy’
Michelin revealed the decision alongside the launch of Mindful Voices, a “trailblazing” editorial initiative intended to “shine a light on individuals who, through their commitment and endeavours, are proposing new methods within gastronomy, hospitality and wine”.
The global initiative will span Michelin’s activities across restaurants, hotels and vineyards, and will launch at the Nordic Countries Ceremony next month.
While Michelin does not specifically mention sustainability, the initiative appears to retain an environmental focus, with press material referring to the “pioneering practices of chefs, hoteliers and wine producers”.
Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, said: “Mindful Voices will give a platform to all those who are rewriting the rules in their respective fields.
“This new framework draws directly from what our inspection teams witness first-hand: encounters and experiences that are transforming how things are done and that deserve to be shared.”
“Staying true to its identity and values, the Michelin Guide will amplify and give full resonance to these voices from the worlds of gastronomy, hospitality and wine, so that they can be heard, wherever they may be.”