Sustainability In Commercial Kitchens

Sustainability is the commitment to a better future. In the world of commercial kitchens, sustainability goes beyond energy efficiency. Whilst energy efficient equipment is essential in reducing operating costs and environmental impact, it doesn’t guarantee an overall sustainable approach. 

Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have, but instead a necessity for your business, customers, and the planet. 

In this blog, we’re going to look at all the ways you can make your commercial kitchen more sustainable and environmentally friendly. 

Achieving True Kitchen Sustainability 

To make your commercial kitchen truly sustainable, there are a variety of factors that must be considered. These factors include the entire lifecycle of kitchen equipment, sustainable sourcing of materials, ethical labour practices, and the ability to recycle or repurpose equipment at the end of its life. 
Updating your kitchen to be more sustainable may appear costly to begin with, but in the long-term, it will save you money and protect the environment. 

Your Equipment:

As with most equipment, there is a point where it is deemed ‘end of life’ or ‘beyond economical repair’ and is discarded. Instead of sending equipment straight to landfill, consider alternative options. Think can old equipment be harvested for reuseable parts or refurbished to extend its life? Can you better your maintenance routine on your current equipment to extend its life? Can you ensure your old equipment is being recycled properly if it is to be removed? Considering these questions can lead to reduced waste and enhance the sustainability of your commercial kitchen.

Dealing With Food Waste:

A popular green initiative and easy to carry out: composting food waste. The European Commission has set out a common methodology for food waste measurements to support member states in quantifying it at each stage of the supply chain. 

The Delegated Act will ensure coherent monitoring of food waste levels across the EU for more data to be collected to put the food system on a sustainable path. 

Every year around 20% of food produced in Europe is lost or wasted. Taking the simple green step forward of composting can help to reduce this figure and lead to a more sustainable commercial kitchen. 

Saving Water:

Transitioning to low water consuming / water saving pot washers and commercial dishwashers can save you an average of 70% on water.  

Dishwashers Direct supplies a diverse range of commercial dishwashers and commercial warewashing solutions that can help you save on both water and energy. View their full range here. 

Supporting Local Businesses:

You can also reduce your company’s environmental impact by making smart purchasing choices. Reduce waste generation by trying to only purchase environmentally friendly products. Purchasing locally can also reduce the impact on the environment and benefit the community.

Energy-Efficient Kitchen Design:

A well thought out kitchen design and layout can make a positive impact on energy efficiency. Here are some tips to consider:

• Work Zones: Consider the ergonomics and organisation of appliances and workstations when planning the design. This can streamline operations and minimise the energy wasted. With careful layout consideration, you can potentially reduce the time appliances need to be on and lower overall energy consumption. 
  
• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to maintain a comfortable temperature and reduce the load on HVAC systems. Efficient ventilation systems help remove excess heat and steam, reducing the need for air conditioning. Proper ventilation can also prevent the build-up of grease and odours, improving not only the kitchen environment but also the air quality in which your staff are working. 
  

Implement Smart Kitchen Technology

Smart kitchen technology can play an important role in energy conservation by automating and optimising various processes. Some ideas to consider include:

• Sensors: Install motion sensors for lights to ensure they’re only on when needed. This can significantly reduce electricity usage by preventing lights being left on in unoccupied areas. Motion sensors are especially useful in storage areas, restrooms, and break rooms where lights don’t need to be on continuously.
  
• Automated Systems: Use automated systems to control HVAC settings, adjusting the temperature based on occupancy and kitchen activity. These systems can learn your kitchen’s usage patterns and make real-time adjustments to optimise energy consumption. For example, an automated HVAC system can reduce heating or cooling during non-peak hours or when certain areas are not in use.
  
• Energy Monitoring Tools: Implement tools that monitor energy usage and provide insights on where to reduce consumption. These tools can track the performance of individual appliances and highlight inefficiencies. By analysing the data, you can identify trends and make informed decisions about where to focus your energy-saving efforts. 

Modern commercial kitchens are rapidly evolving to respond to the growing need for increased sustainability and environmentally conscious decisions. By implementing just some of the steps listed above you can help with moving towards a better future, that is better for the environment and your wallet.