UKHospitality has unveiled a new sustainability commitment for the sector including a goal to achieve net-zero emissions across all scopes by 2040.
The commitment features 10 pledges which cover four key areas – waste, supply chain, skills and biodiversity. In many cases the pledges align with existing targets from external organisations such as Wrap and the Zero Carbon Forum (ZCF).
UKH has adopted the ZCF roadmap which targets net-zero for scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and for scope 3 emissions by 2040.
A target to eliminate unnecessary single-use packaging by 2025 aligns with Wrap’s UK Plastics Pact, while a reduction in food waste by 50% by 2030 mirrors the Courtauld Commitment 2030. UKHospitality has also pledged to promote sign up to these initiatives among hospitality sector businesses.
Another pledge involves incorporating sustainability skills in relevant training courses and promoting the appointment of site-based sustainability champions. The industry body has also pledged to promote the roll out of electric vehicle (EV) charging points across the sector.
A separate guide lays out a number of steps SMEs can take to improve their environmental performance. These include reviewing menus to incorporate more locally produced goods, plant dishes and meet MSC and free range standards; and working with supply chain partners to ensure goods are responsibly sourced, protecting and enhancing biodiversity.
“Hospitality has been swift to embrace and accelerate sustainable practices in recent years but we’re entering a crucial phase in dealing with climate change, which makes our new sustainability commitment vitally important if we’re to deliver on 2040 net-zero aims for the sector,” said UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls.
