25 hospitality leaders host zero carbon roundtable
The key topic of discussion was on how to maintain the long-term strategic focus on net zero, whilst managing the short-term energy/cost of living crisis
Some 25 leaders from hospitality organisations including Azzuri, Greene King, IHG, Gaucho, Revolution Bars, Peach 2020, Punch Pubs and WSH joined together as part of the Zero Carbon Forum CEO/CFO roundtable held at Carousel, London, to discuss how the sector can decarbonise while the industry is facing multiple crises.
The key topic of discussion was on how to maintain the long-term strategic focus on net zero, whilst managing the short-term energy/cost of living crisis.
Forum founder and CEO Mark Chapman and Bob Gordon, forum director, chaired the session, opening with questions focused on how the current climate has affected priorities and in relation to sustainability, carbon reduction and energy saving.
The session debated two themes:
1: The connection between business transition and survival, with aims of transitioning to sustainable, resilient models.
2: The importance of reducing impact and building resilience collaboratively.
Chapman said: “Achieving net zero will require transformational change and that collective action will drive the sector to cut carbon and cost through more efficient energy use, more plant-based options and better supply chain initiatives.
“If operators do nothing, they will have a higher cost base from being inefficient in use of energy, water and waste, lose sales from reputational damage of not taking action on climate change, and miss consumer trends to more plant-based meals. In addition to this, their global supply chains will be more prone to supply disruption and cost inflation.”
