Start with an evaluation of your entire business to get an idea of the changes you need to make to become more environmentally friendly. Look at everything from water usage and packaging to the journey of your ingredients and the cleaning products you use. Starting the process with a clear picture will help you prioritise the most pressing tasks, enable you to create a clear action plan, and avoid becoming overwhelmed. Once you’ve identified the biggest priorities, create a detailed to-do list to help chart your progress, build momentum and empower your team to keep pushing forward towards your green goals. 

HARNESS YOUR ENERGY

One of the best things you can do to boost your green credentials is to take control of your energy consumption. Ideally, this means upgrading to energy-efficient kitchen appliances, such as induction hobs, Energy Star-rated ovens, fridges, and dishwashers – but this comes with a hefty price tag. If your budget can’t stretch that far, look at servicing your existing equipment to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. 

Install energy-saving lighting and switch to LED bulbs to reduce electricity usage by up to 75%. Simple steps like putting up signs to remind staff to switch off lights and equipment when not in use can also make a difference. Keep refrigerators and freezers at the correct temperature (aim for at least 8˚C for fridges and -18°C for freezers) to optimise efficiency.

Waste Not, Want Not

Household and commercial kitchen food waste has a huge impact on our carbon footprint, and produces around 18 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in the UK each year, not to mention that it’s throwing money in the bin. 

But there are a few simple things you can do to help reduce what you send to landfill. Review your portion sizes to reduce how much uneaten food comes back to the kitchen, or offer a range of portion sizes to cater to differing appetites. Reorganise your kitchen space and introduce key recycling points that are within reach and more likely to be used during a busy service. Challenge team members to get creative with leftovers and devise new dishes to feature on your specials board each week. Reach out to your local community and partner with food banks, charities and organisations to donate any surplus food. Look into sharing apps like Olio, which invites you to pass on what you no longer need to people living in the local area. 

RETHINK PACKAGING

The food-to-go model is booming, bolstered by the explosion of food delivery platforms that can get meals to customers’ doors in rapid time. Review your packaging to see where it can be reduced, or consult your supplier about eco-friendly alternatives. If you have high repeat-custom, look into reusable options and offer discounts as an incentive for customers to use this service – Bristol independent pizza restaurant Pizzarova partnered with PIZZycle (pizzycle.com) to introduce their reusable branded pizza box with resounding success. 

share your story

We live in an information age, and consumers are demanding more transparency from businesses and brands. They want to know how products are made, where they come from, and the impact they have on the planet. Shouting about your sustainability efforts can often reward you with consumer trust and loyalty. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are more eco-conscious and much more likely to support businesses that align with their values. From creating social media posts to showcasing provenance on your menus or adding a sustainability section to your website, sharing your efforts with customers is key to future-proofing your business. 

A plan for the planet

As environmental awareness continues to grow, businesses across every sector are finding innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint. While these initiatives are inspiring, they can be daunting for smaller businesses unsure of where to begin or how to keep up the pace. But sustainability doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul or hefty expense. By starting small and taking simple, practical steps, you can not only reduce your environmental impact but also strengthen your brand, save money and attract a growing wave of 
eco-conscious customers.