Our Journey to Net Zero: Driving Towards a Greener Future

From the beginning, our commitment to reaching net zero and environmental sustainability has been at the core of our business. Follow our journey to net zero...

Net Zero
Net Zero

I’m excited to share with you the steps we have taken so far on our journey to net zero, and highlight the progress we made in 2023.

 

Pioneering Change with Electric  Vehicles

A significant factor in achieving net zero will be the electrification of our vehicle fleet. By 2026, we plan to complete the rollout of electric trucks . This will mark a significant step in reducing our carbon footprint, and although it is fraught with financial challenges and viability we continue to seek solutions.

The introduction of electric lorries aligns with our ethos of marrying innovation with sustainability. This is because the benefits extend beyond reducing our carbon footprint – electric vehicles also improve air quality and reduce noise pollution. Our move towards electrification marks the laying of foundations for a sustainable legacy. 

Voluntary Carbon Offsetting and Monitoring

We take a proactive stance on managing our carbon footprint and in 20203 voluntarily paid to carbon offset 50% of our emissions. Our target is to offset 100% by 2025 because we intend to take full responsibility for our environmental impact and Im happy to say that we are on track to meet our target💚.

We monitor our carbon footprint, using state-of-the-art tools and methodologies to bring an exact understanding of the  makeup of our footprint. We look at food production methods, energy sources and food miles to name just a few to understand our true carbon impact. 

Every year, we choose carbon offset partners very carefully and select projects that align with our values, focusing on those that offer verifiable impact. Whether it’s reforestation initiatives, renewable energy projects, or community-based sustainability efforts, our contributions are aimed at making a tangible difference.

Minimising Food Wastage Through Thoughtful Initiatives

In 2023, our total food waste was less than three bags of hash browns. We’re really proud that this was the total excess waste from ALL projects that year!  We redirected all unused stock, such as vegetables and grains, to local food banks which supported the creation of over 2,000 meals, distributed to those in need across 8 local food banks nationwide. The re-distribution of food delivered on two goals – it allowed us not only to combat food wastage but also to contribute positively to local communities by supporting those in need.

Advocating for a Plant-based Lifestyle

In 2023, we continued to promote a shift towards a plant-based lifestyle, because it has a significant impact on reducing carbon footprint. This took the form of Meat-Free Mondays and also the integration of vegan lunch days into our location catering offerings. 

These initiatives spark conversations around sustainable dietary choices and also serves to nudge our clientele and customers towards the positive carbon impact that a plant-based diet can have. It is our belief that by making these options available and appealing, we can gently guide consumers in a shift towards more sustainable eating habits that benefit both the individual and the planet.

Did you know that a single person can save 133 gallons of water with each meatless meal? This equates to a reduction in personal carbon footprint of eight pounds for each Meat-Free Monday they participate in.

In 2023, based on the total number of people we served on Meat-Free Mondays and Veggie days equated to these huge savings:

  • 10,773,000 gallons of water saved 🚰 
  • 216,000 reduction on carbon footprint 👣

Here are some meaty facts that you may not know:

  • Livestock production uses 75% of the earth’s agricultural land.
  • Producing just ONE quarter-pound beef burger uses 425 gallons of water – enough water to fill 10 bathtubs.
  • Skipping just ONE serving of beef every Monday for a year saves the equivalent emissions to driving 348 miles in a car.

Embracing Permaculture Principles

By 2025, we’re set to launch a permaculture site dedicated to composting organic waste. This initiative is a key part of our journey to net zero, as it helps us turn waste into resources, reducing landfill use and the associated greenhouse gas emissions. Composting not only enriches the soil, supporting healthier crop growth, but it also locks carbon back into the earth. This cycle significantly cuts our carbon footprint and moves us closer to our goal of creating a sustainable, zero-emissions future.

 

We’re making great progress in 2024, and our dedication to environmental stewardship is stronger than ever. You can read more about our mission to be the first choice for sustainable catering in the UK, by clicking here. 

We’re committed to creating a brighter, more sustainable future and are excited about the upcoming establishment of our permaculture site and continued implementation of eco-friendly practices. Stay tuned for updates!