Five tips for creating a sustainability strategy

KEY INSIGHTS

• Sourcing from local famers and producers supports the local economy while reducing emissions associated with long-haul transport
• Careful planning of menu items and portion sizes and ensuring effective stock management can help minimise food waste
  
• A sustainability audit enables you to assess your current practices, identify areas for improvement and set measurable goals
  
• Seek out suppliers and producers who adhere to ethical and sustainable practices and look for certifications like Fair Trade, organic or Rainforest Alliance 
  

WSustainability is an increasingly important consideration not just among today’s environmentally aware consumers but for chefs and restaurateurs too. Preparing and serving food that’s produced in a sustainably responsible manner doesn’t just resonate with the millennial market and so boost your brand’s reputation, it also presents opportunities for cost savings and waste minimisation.

Here are five essential tips to assist in creating your own sustainability strategy:

1 Use local produce to ensure lower food miles

One of the most impactful ways to reduce your restaurant's carbon footprint is by sourcing ingredients locally. Food miles, or the distance food travels from farm to plate, have a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions. By sourcing from local farms and producers, you not only support the local economy but also reduce emissions associated with long-haul transport.

You could partner with local suppliers and farmers to ensure a steady supply chain, and highlight your commitment to local sourcing on your menu and marketing materials, as it can be a selling point for eco-conscious consumers.

2 Ensure effective waste management

Waste management is a critical aspect of food sustainability. One way to minimise food waste in your business is by carefully planning menu items and portion sizes, and ensuring effective stock management – such as by identifying your busiest times for dine-in customers and takeaway/home delivery orders, stocking up to meet that demand and carrying less at other times.

You can also make a positive contribution to waste management by implementing recycling and composting programs in your kitchen to divert waste from landfill and training staff to segregate waste properly.

You might also consider donating surplus food to local charities or partnering with organisations that can help you redistribute excess stock.

3 Implement a sustainability audit

A sustainability audit should be the foundation of your sustainability strategy. It enables you to assess your current practices, identify areas for improvement and set measurable goals. Consider factors like energy and water consumption, waste generation and the environmental impact of your ingredients.

You can find a consultant or business that specialises in foodservice/restaurant sustainability to guide you through the audit process. It’s also important to regularly revisit and update your sustainability goals as your operation evolves.

4 Engage in responsible food sourcing

Responsible sourcing of food is essential for sustainable foodservice business. Seek out suppliers and producers who adhere to ethical and sustainable practices and look for certifications like Fair Trade, organic or Rainforest Alliance to verify the responsible sourcing of key ingredients.

You can communicate your commitment to responsible sourcing on your menu and website, underscoring your dedication to supporting ethical and environmentally friendly practices.

5 Educate staff on the importance of sustainability

Your staff play a crucial role in implementing your sustainability strategy, so be sure to educate them on its importance, including environmental impacts and the contribution their actions make. You can help create a culture of sustainability within your team by recognising and rewarding staff contributions to sustainability goals. Encourage open communication, where employees can suggest improvements and innovative ideas.

Remember too that sustainability is an ongoing process not a one-time fix, and that you won’t be able to solve all your sustainability issues at once. Instead, approach sustainability as a journey of continuous improvement. Regularly review your sustainability goals, make adjustments and explore new opportunities to reduce your environmental impact.

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