WSH and Stonegate join the Zero Carbon Forum’s roadmap to net zero

Westbury Street Holdings (WSH) and Stonegate Group are the latest members to join the Zero Carbon Forum, aiming to reduce emissions and achieve net zero.

The forum is a non-profit organisation with 27 UK restaurant, pub and brewery brands as members. BaxterStorey is the first independent foodservice provider to become part of the forum, along with all WSH brands, which include Benugo, Searcys, Caterlink and Holroyd Howe.

WSH achieved carbon neutrality status in 2007 and has a commitment to 100% renewable electricity. It operates a carbon-neutral transport fleet and business travel policy, and its food waste management system is believed to have saved over 61,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions since 2014.

In June the company signed a pledge committing to the Business Ambition for 1.5°C.

Mike Hanson, director of sustainable business across WSH (pictured), said: “The Zero Carbon Forum makes working together as an industry possible. WSH has committed to the highest level of ambition in the short- and long-term to reach net zero. We welcome the collaboration of the forum and its members to help us to deliver a roadmap to be net zero and achieve this, at speed, together.”

Ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November, the Zero Carbon Forum will publish a roadmap of consistent and credible milestones to target net zero.

Spencer Bloomberg, director of risk at Stonegate, said: “We’re committed to reducing energy consumption and our carbon footprint. The forum represents power and knowledge in numbers, and we look forward to sharing and learning best practices from fellow industry forum members.”

Mark Chapman, founder and chief executive of the Zero Carbon Forum, added: “We’re thrilled that these collective industry powerhouses, driven by highly inspiring and experienced leaders, have joined the Zero Carbon Forum.

“The forum is on a journey to enable the hospitality sector to reach net zero at pace and avert a catastrophe. With the backing and collaborative action of our members and industry trade associations, UKHospitality and the British Beer & Pub Association, we will deliver on our objectives and achieve decarbonisation of hospitality.”