Sustainability is one of the buzzwords of our time, and for a good reason. Small changes such as improving equipment, tailoring menu options and optimising kitchen layouts could save the UK catering industry over a quarter of a billion pounds in energy costs annually. Not only that, but guests are becoming more conscious about where their food comes from and how restaurants operate to protect and preserve the natural environment. So how do sustainable restaurants go beyond reducing food waste?
Making your business more sustainable has numerous benefits, but how do you go about it? Below are 5 tips to get you started:
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Upgrading older or energy-inefficient commercial kitchen equipment to energy-saving alternatives like the RATIONAL iVario Pro and RATIONAL iCombi Pro can make a massive difference in energy consumption. These appliances use up to 40% less energy than their traditional counterparts and reduce water consumption by up to 75%. Additionally, these appliances come with various features that help chefs save time and effort, resulting in higher-quality dishes. RATIONAL also has a software solution called ConnectedCooking , where food businesses can monitor their usage and, therefore, can quickly identify where energy can be saved when cooking. Explore RATIONAL's full range of energy-saving cooking systems .
Like you would at home, take a moment to walk around your premises and consider where you're wasting energy (and therefore money). Sustainable restaurants can switch up their lighting to LED lights, harvest rainwater to water their plants, use automated temperature controls, and install energy-efficient ventilation systems. Each of these small changes can make a big difference over time! Also, it is vital to educate your team on why you are making these changes.
Do you have items in your commercial kitchen or dining room that are regularly thrown away? If yes, are there alternatives you can use instead that either you can reuse or are made from recycled materials? For example, sustainable takeaway cutlery, recycled paper napkins or storage containers for produce.
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Restaurant waste, whether leftover food from customers, broken glasses, or damaged kitchen equipment, is unavoidable. But it is your responsibility as a restaurant owner to recycle, reuse, and reduce the environmental impact of your waste. Invest in recycling and compost bins so all your waste doesn't end up in a landfill. Additionally, cut down on food waste by tracking your menu orders, correctly labelling and storing produce or utilising offcuts of ingredients in other dishes.
Tailoring menu options can help you reduce waste while providing delicious meals for your guests. Consider introducing seasonal specials, where produce does not have to be imported, or "zero-waste" dishes like vegetable stews or soups, which utilise ingredients that would otherwise be thrown away. You could even look into sourcing local produce or vegan/vegetarian-friendly recipes that use less water than traditional dishes!
It doesn't matter if you own a small cafe or a large restaurant chain. Sustainability should be something that every business strives for to keep our planet healthy and safe for generations to come! Onboard even one of our sustainability tips, and you could be well on your way towards running an environmentally friendly restaurant that customers love visiting again and again!
Learn more about our range of energy-saving cooking systems by contacting the team at RATIONAL today.