The catering operations of the UK catering industry account for almost 2% of all business and public sector emissions in the UK.
More than 8 billion meals are served every year across 260,000 sites, costing £770m a year on energy, and resulting in 3.9 million tonnes of carbon.
The Carbon Trust has estimated that by taking a more strategic approach to catering operations, a saving of more than 30% is achievable, saving more than £250m in energy costs and more than a million tonnes of carbon every year.
However, the analysis also shows that a short term approach to the cost of capital equipment could cause energy costs to rise by a further £154m a year by 2020.
The Carbon Trust associate director of business advice Dominic Burbridge said: “The catering industry is acutely sensitive to volatility across its entire cost base with inflation outstripping RPI over the last 10 years. A great way to tackle this is to improve energy efficiency in kitchens, an area that is not currently regulated.
“We’ve demonstrated how the catering industry could save more than 3 pence per meal served, which presents a significant opportunity for industry leaders who take a proactive approach to enhance the economic and environmental sustainability of their businesses.”
In order to help the sector save energy, the Carbon Trust has launched a Cut Cost & Carbon Calculator, designed specifically for anyone involved in catering equipment manufacture and supply or the design, specification and operation of a catering site.
The Carbon Trust says the calculator will enable users to understand how to enhance profitability and reduce environmental impact through a range of activities including behavioural change, kitchen design, menu complexity and equipment selection.
Conor McGlone