Sustainable Restaurant Trends for 2016 and How to Implement Them
Sustainability has become a hot topic in recent years, and for good reason. As the global population grows and we learn more about the scarcity of natural resources, more and more businesses are looking for ways to serve customers in a way that is both responsible and sustainable.
In terms of the restaurant industry, there are a number of ways that owners can implement sustainable practices into their business plan. The team at econstruct, Inc. is here to help your business attain those goals at every step along the way.
Water is the most limited of all natural resources, and conserving water should be a top priority of any restaurant owner. Not only will water conservation measures result in a lower monthly utility bill, it also helps to reduce the volume of water that is wasted and sent back through the water treatment process.
That, in turn, lowers the input of electricity required to produce safe and clean drinking water. Water conservation measures include ensuring that all plumbing is functioning properly and that water saving devices are employed whenever possible.
Installing water flow reduction devices at all taps can help conserve water, as can replacing outdated and wasteful toilets throughout the restaurant. In addition, selecting replacement dishwashers and steam tables can also conserve water.
A commercial kitchen uses a great deal of electricity to operate, but there are measures that can be taken to reduce the draw on the power grid. Installing solar panels is a great place to begin and can cut the power consumption of a business immediately.
While solar power alone may not be able to handle all of the electricity needs of a larger restaurant, it can significantly reduce the power needed for lighting, cooking and temperature control. Another way to reduce energy use is to replace older pieces of equipment with more energy-efficient models.
At the heart of every successful restaurant is one central theme: good food. Purchasing, storing, preparing and serving excellent food is and should be the top priority. That said, there are improvements that can be made in making the food service industry more sustainable.
A great place to begin is with selecting products that are produced locally and delivered with minimal packaging. In some markets, food scraps can be composted through municipal services, or donated to a local composting group.
Another simple but effective means of reducing food and product waste is to train all staff members to make the most out of every raw ingredient, and to recycle packaging materials when possible.
Many restaurants are embracing sustainability as part of their business model and are reaping the rewards. Aside from being an outstanding member of the global community, businesses that implement sustainable practices can also enjoy the support of customers who share a desire to have a positive impact on the world through conserving resources.
At econstruct, Inc., we are here to answer any questions that you may have about how to improve the sustainability of your restaurant. We can provide you with a quote for any improvements that you are considering. Contact us today to get started.