SRA announces next step towards net zero

The sustainable restaurant association (SRA) has announced the next step in the restaurant trade’s journey towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the SRA, consumers “increasingly” look for hospitality venues that offer more sustainable choices and employees are keen to work for companies that are taking action on climate, however restaurant owners say they need advice and support to get to net zero.

The SRA has said some advances in the initiative include, an ‘industry protocol’ that sets out a standard for Net Zero against which restaurants can be certified and receive an accreditation mark to display to customers, and a ‘digital platform’ that provides solutions for operators to calculate their carbon emissions, set targets, get tailored reduction plans and compensate for pre-existing emissions.  

The association has said the initiative has been developed to make the process of going net zero easier and more cost-effective for businesses in the restaurant sector, supporting the whole hospitality industry to “address” its greenhouse gas emissions. 

Simon Heppner, executive director of Net Zero Now, said: “For the first time, the restaurant trade has a clear pathway to net zero carbon emissions and a dedicated platform which puts the tools for action on the climate crisis in the hands of all businesses regardless of size.”

Mark Selby, co-founder of Wahaca who are members of the scheme, added: “In 2016, Wahaca was the first UK restaurant group to be certified carbon neutral. The journey towards net zero is not without its challenges, but as a business the focus on being as sustainable as we possibly can be is a hugely inspiring one.”