restaurant sustainability

How to make restaurants more sustainable

Restaurants were once only expected to serve up delicious food and deliver exemplary service. Today, as with many other businesses, they are held to much higher standards. As concern over climate change filters through consumer consciousness, customers want their pounds to go beyond paying the bill and towards restaurant sustainability. In fact, a survey carried out by Sustainable Restaurant Association revealed that over 65% of diners polled are concerned about the environment. A UK hospitality survey found that 83% of respondents expect hospitality businesses to implement sustainable practices, and 80% said that sustainability was a deciding factor when choosing where to go to eat.

What does restaurant sustainability involve?

It’s no secret that the hospitality industry has a major impact on the environment. Research by WRAP revealed that the hospitality sector produces 2.87 million tonnes of waste annually. Food waste, water usage, and energy consumption are all concerns for restaurant and hotel owners looking to reduce their environmental footprint. But what can be done to make restaurants more sustainable?

Restaurant sustainability refers to when hospitality businesses minimise their impact on the planet by addressing issues like sustainable farming, shortening their supply chain, food wastage, packaging, water and energy consumption, recycling, and more. If you want customers to choose you over your competition, you must show that they’re paying for more than just their food.

Growth of Customer-Base: By making your restaurant more sustainable, you’re widening your pool of potential customers and opening yourself up to new business. By implementing a sustainability strategy, some people will feel compelled to at least try your restaurant out. You may also find yourself appealing to a broader range of clientele, similar to when you have a range of vegetarian and vegan options on your menu.

Brand Loyalty: Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions. By making sustainability a priority at your restaurant, you’re sending a message to your customers that you care about more than just the bottom line. When your business’s values align with your customers, they will likely return for second helpings. They’ll feel like they have contributed to a positive cause, bringing a greater sense of enjoyment and fulfilment to their outing.

Increased Profits: Many people assume that sustainability is expensive, but this doesn’t have to be the case. There are many simple and cost-effective ways to make your restaurant more sustainable. In fact, incorporating sustainability into your business model can actually save you money in the long run. For example, investing in energy-efficient appliances will save you money on your utility bills each month. Also, with the increase you may gain in your customer base, your restaurant’s profits will naturally increase.

Employee Engagement: Customers aren’t the only ones concerned about climate change. Employees are the backbone of any successful business and are particularly important to the hospitality industry, so keeping them happy and engaged is essential. Making your restaurant more sustainable can help by creating a working environment that employees are proud to be a part of. Not only will they be more likely to stay with your company for longer, but they’ll also be more productive while they’re there.

A Better Menu: Sustainability isn’t just about conserving resources—it’s also about using them wisely. When you source ingredients from local and sustainable farms, you’re getting the best possible quality for your menu items. This not only tastes better but is also better for the environment (and your bottom line).

How to improve restaurant sustainability?

Implement a food waste reduction program. One of the most effective ways to reduce your restaurant’s environmental impact is to cut down on food waste. There are a number of ways to do this, from implementing portion control to working with local farmers and purveyors to source seasonal ingredients. Restaurateurs can also donate unsold food to local food banks or composting facilities.
Use energy-efficient appliances. Another way to make your restaurant more sustainable is to use energy-efficient appliances. Energy-efficient appliances use less water and electricity, reducing your carbon footprint and saving you money on utility bills. Many countries offer rebates for their domestic businesses that upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, so be sure to check with your country’s energy subsidies for more information.
Install low-flow plumbing fixtures. Low-flow plumbing fixtures are a great way to conserve water in your restaurant. Low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets can save thousands of gallons of water per year, which not only helps the environment but also cuts down on your water bill. Many municipalities offer rebates for businesses that install low-flow plumbing fixtures, so be sure to check with your local government for more information.
Remember to recycle. Ideally, you’ll cut down your material wastage and minimise the need for recycling, but it’s often unavoidable. You’re probably already recycling some things like paper, cardboard, and glass, but other restaurant items can be recycled as well, such as fryer oil, cooking grease, and certain types of plastic.
Minimise your carbon mileage. Use local suppliers and seasonal produce to minimise the carbon trail left after every stock delivery. Doing so also has the added benefit of giving you better quality ingredients, as they may be produced the very same day. You can do the same thing with your waste and recycling collectors.

Final Thoughts

Making your restaurant more sustainable is a win-win situation – it’s good for the environment, and it’s good for business. By implementing some or all of the tips mentioned above, you can make a positive impact on the planet and attract eco-conscious consumers at the same time.

Making a move to sustainability doesn’t have to be daunting – taking small steps can make a big difference. Evaluating your current practices, educating your employees, and implementing changes slowly are all great ways to get started.

If you want to make your restaurant more sustainable, it starts by crafting a credible action plan. Get in touch with us today to get started.