How to Run a More Sustainable Restaurant in Sharjah

With an increasing number of consumers prioritising environmentally friendly products, restaurants are no exception to this trend. This guide helps food and beverage companies seeking to integrate sustainability practices to enhance their business.

Restaurants and their role in sustainability have come to the forefront in recent years alongside global initiatives aimed at combating climate change. In an era where various industries face scrutiny for their environmental impact, the restaurant and food sectors are no exception. The production, transportation, and food waste collectively contribute to over 8 percent of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. To address this issue, the concept of "restaurant sustainability" has emerged, focused on the transformation of a restaurant into an eco-friendly and socially responsible entity. Sustainable restaurants are dedicated to minimising their environmental impact and positively impacting their community, while also keeping their business thriving. As consumer preferences increasingly gravitate toward sustainable products,restaurants embracing sustainability will also find it makes their business more attractive

The following sections will dive into the importance of sustainability within the restaurant industry, presenting actionable steps that your businesses can adopt to transition into a sustainable restaurant.

Why is sustainability important for restaurants?

Restaurant industry impact

Restaurants generate enormous quantities of food waste, plastics waste, and greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously consuming huge quantities and energy and water. Billions of non-biodegradable cutlery are thrown out worldwide which end up in the ocean and become deadly for sea life. Furthermore, the enormous amount of food waste accounts for a significant part of a human-generated greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.

Shifting consumer preferences

There is a rise of environmentally conscious consumers who care about how products were produced and where they came from. Consumers want to still keep consuming products but want to do it responsibly by keeping their ecological footprint to minimum. According to a study conducted by the National Restaurant Association, over 50% of consumers in the United States are more likely to choose a restaurant that is operating with an eco-friendly and socially responsible business model. As such, this shift in consumer consciousness provides opportunities for restaurants to gain customers by adopting sustainable practices.

Multiple benefits

Incorporating sustainable practices into restaurants brings a range of business-boosting advantages. This includes decreased operational costs through efficient waste management and reduced energy and water usage. Transparently conveying these practices to customers via different platforms elevates your restaurant's reputation, broadening your customer base and cultivating enduring loyalty. Notably, research underscores that adopting sustainability instils positive employee attitudes, fuels intrinsic motivation, and nurtures commitment to the business.

Join Sustain Sharjah

2023 is the Year of Sustainability in the United Arab Emirates and many organisations in Sharjah have made sustainability a main goal to work towards. Sustain Sharjah is building momentum around sustainable tourism and now is the ideal time to start your journey and not get left behind.

Actions you can take to become a more sustainable restaurant

Move towards zero waste

The main waste restaurants produce is food, tableware, and utensils. Reducing waste benefits restaurants by cutting operational costs, minimising their ecological footprint, and enhancing their public reputation. The following are the steps restaurants can take to produce less waste:

Avoid over-preparing dishes, and creating a waste management plan to compost food waste for organic vegetable growth is essential. To learn more, join the Ne’ma UAE national food loss and waste initiative which seeks to reduce food waste by 50% by 2050.
Opt for reusable cups, utensils, plates, and trash bags or consider biodegradable options. This move reduces landfill waste and the influx of plastic into oceans. Join the Zero Waste UAE movement and learn from others in the Emirates on a journey to zero waste.
Correct recycling practices are pivotal for waste reduction. Ensure proper sorting of recyclables and facilitate employee recycling by placing segregated bins in kitchens.
Share information about the environmental impact of food and product waste, along with the benefits of sustainable practices, is crucial for all restaurant staff to understand the "why" behind adoption. Additionally, waste management plans should be explained to all staff members.

Reduce energy and water waste

Reducing energy and water waste can decrease the consumption of fossil fuels for energy generation and wastewater treatment, ultimately leading to lower bills. To reduce energy and water usage:

Upgrade and invest in renewable energy sources, such as installing solar panels on the roofs.
Replace traditional lighting with energy-efficient LED lights which have longer lifespans.
Decrease heat usage and turn off equipment that is not in use to reduce energy consumption.
Install smart thermostats to monitor your restaurant's electricity usage, and create energy schedules that conserve electricity and reduce costs.
Regularly inspect pipes and faucets for leaks.
Invest in eco-friendly dishwashers and choose to operate them only when fully loaded.
Install automatic sensors in restroom faucets.
Develop a water management plan to calculate overall water consumption and establish targets for water reduction.

Reduce carbon emissions

Restaurants' carbon footprint mainly originates from electricity usage, natural gas consumption, delivery vehicles, and cooking strategies. To mitigate carbon emissions:

Measure your carbon footprint to comprehend the extent of your current greenhouse gas emissions and identify the facets of your business contributing to it. The carbon emission calculator featured on this website serves as an ideal starting point.
Opt for renewable energy sources and utilise electric or hybrid vehicles for deliveries.
Establish a compost bin to prevent the disposal of leftover food as landfill waste.
Incorporate vegetarian and vegan options onto your menus, as these choices are inherently less energy-intensive.

Serve the community

Serving local food, celebrating cuisines and culture and using locally grown produce are opportunities for restaurants to provide environmental and social benefits. To serve the community:

Opt to source local and seasonal ingredients to diminish the transportation-related emissions associated with ingredient delivery and to bolster local farmers. Farms include Greenheart organic farm and the Manbat farm shop.
Serve Emirati dishes or cuisine inspired by the many nationalities living in Sharjah - food can tell a story.
Train your employees on sustainability measures and raise awareness to create a culture of sustainability within your team.
Consider donating surplus food to local food banks or non-profit organisations, connect with Ne’ma to learn about their food waste recovery options.
Once you’ve implemented sustainable practices, you can apply for a sustainable restaurant certification like Food Made Good which has a partnership with the UAE Restaurants Group and demonstrate your commitment to the cause.

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