Role of the Sustainable Restaurant Association

The role of the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) in promoting sustainability in the hospitality industry

Sustainability is increasingly becoming a key focus across various industries, and the hospitality sector is no exception. The Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) plays a pivotal role in guiding restaurants and food service providers towards more sustainable practices. In this blog, Dr Richard Dune delves into the SRA's importance, explores key definitions and statistics, outlines best practices for compliance with relevant legislation, and provides actionable recommendations for hospitality businesses.

Key facts and statistics

The global food service market is projected to reach £3.1 trillion by 2025, emphasising the need for sustainable practices to mitigate environmental impact.
According to the SRA, 48% of consumers consider a restaurant's sustainability practices when choosing where to dine.
Adopting sustainable practices can reduce restaurants' carbon footprint by up to 25%, contributing significantly to global efforts against climate change.

Key definitions

Sustainability - The ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, often involving environmental, social, and economic considerations.
Carbon footprint - The total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organisation, event, or product.
Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) - A not-for-profit organisation that helps food service businesses achieve sustainability by providing advice, tools, and resources to improve their environmental and social impact.

The role of the SRA

Guiding principles

The SRA bases its guidance on three core pillars:

Sourcing - Encouraging the procurement of local, seasonal, and ethically produced food.
Society - Promoting positive contributions to the community and ensuring fair treatment of staff.
Environment - Focusing on reducing waste, conserving water, and minimising energy usage.

Key services

The SRA offers several services to support restaurants in their sustainability journey, including:

Sustainability rating - An independent assessment that helps restaurants measure their sustainability performance.
Consultancy - Tailored advice and strategies for implementing sustainable practices.
Training - Workshops and courses designed to educate staff on sustainability issues.

Recommended best practices

Waste management

Food Waste Regulations 2014 - Requires businesses to segregate food waste from other waste types. Implementing proper waste management systems can help reduce waste sent to landfills.
Environmental Protection Act 1990 - Mandates the proper disposal of waste to prevent harm to the environment and human health.

Energy efficiency

Efficiency Regulations 2015 - Obligates businesses to meet energy efficiency standards. Using energy-efficient appliances and conducting regular energy audits can significantly reduce energy consumption.

Water conservation

Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 - Enforces the efficient use of water in business operations.

Social responsibility

Modern Slavery Act 2015 - Requires businesses to ensure their supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.

Recommendations

Regular training - Ensure staff are regularly trained on sustainability practices through programmes offered by the SRA and other reputable organisations.
Sustainability audits - Conduct periodic sustainability audits to identify areas for improvement and track progress.
Engage with the SRA - Partner with the SRA for expert guidance, resources, and support tailored to your business needs.

Conclusion

The Sustainable Restaurant Association is crucial in promoting sustainability within the hospitality industry. By adhering to their guidelines and implementing best practices, restaurants can significantly reduce their environmental impact, contribute positively to society, and enhance their business reputation.

To ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and to streamline your sustainability efforts, consider using ComplyPlus™. Our legislation and regulatory compliance management software and training can help you meet and exceed sustainability standards, positioning your business as a leader in the industry.

Click here to learn more about ComplyPlus™ and how it can support your sustainability journey. Let us help you positively impact the environment while driving business success.

About the author

Dr Richard Dune

With over 20 years of experience, Richard blends a rich background in NHS, the private sector, academia, and research settings. His forte lies in clinical R&D, advancing healthcare tech, workforce development and governance. His leadership ensures regulatory compliance and innovation align seamlessly.