SUSTAINABILITY SERIES: WHY YOUR RESTAURANT SHOULD ‘GO GREEN’

In this series, we will introduce ways in which your restaurant can become more environmentally conscious, and how this will benefit your bottom line.

These days, it seems like everyone has jumped on the green bandwagon; and for good reason. Global warming has become an increasingly dangerous threat and will continue to if the planet stays on this trend. NASA released a report in January 2014 stating that since 1880, 9 out of the 10 warmest years have occurred since the year 2000. Climate change threatens our health, economy, and ecosystem. But with such a worldwide dilemma, why should your restaurant care?

Your customers care. Multiple reports have found that customers, especially those millennials, will pay more to support businesses with environmental concerns. Yes, being green can make you more green…so capitalize on it! Do you source local ingredients? Do you compost? Do you use energy efficient fixtures and kitchen equipment? If so, let your customers know!

Sustainability can save you money. Cutting energy consumption not only helps out Mother Nature, but could also reduce your monthly bills by a significant amount. If your restaurant is already open try replacing those power-hog incandescent light bulbs for energy-sipping LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). If you’re in the process of opening a new place, try installing a VAV (Variable Air Volume) mechanical system for your kitchen hoods. These systems power down when the burners are not in use, saving energy twofold. Once, by not needing as much juice as when you’re constantly running the hoods, and twice, by not sucking up all the conditioned air. (Stay tuned for more information on these systems)

Social responsibility. Nobody likes to see polar bears struggling to stay afloat as all the glaciers melt, or layers upon layers of smog clogging our atmosphere. Maybe your restaurant should go green solely because it’s the right thing to do. Future generations will thank you!