Operators including Nando's and BrewDog to tackle carbon emissions with Zero Carbon Forum

Hospitality operators including BrewDog (pictured), Nando’s and the Restaurant Group (TRG) have joined forces to set up an industry group aimed at cutting carbon emissions across the sector.

The Zero Carbon Forum is endorsed by the government and backed by UKHospitality and the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).

The 18 founding members are Nando's, Pizza Hut Restaurants, the Restaurant Group, Revolution Bars, BrewDog, Fuller's, Burger King, PizzaExpress, Boparan Restaurant Group, Shepherd Neame, Marston’s, Azzurri, Adnams, Greene King, KFC, M&B, Young’s and St Austell.

They have pledged to work together to reduce emissions and will publish an industry roadmap to achieve net zero carbon by September 2021. This will measure emissions such as energy, water and waste for each company and the sector as a whole so members can identify where reductions are needed.

Nando’s, BrewDog, BurgerKing and Pizza Hut Restaurants have already set their own targets and the forum will help businesses create individual plans by sharing learnings and resources.

“Carbon reduction and sustainable business is increasingly important to our customers so it’s vital that we act now,” said Mark Chapman, founder and chief executive of the Zero Carbon Forum.

“The window of opportunity to avert climate change disaster is closing fast and we must focus on reducing emissions and a path to net zero. Cutting carbon emissions also cuts business costs, so our solutions to tackling the climate crisis will help us bounce back more strongly from the pandemic.”

The forum is already working on initiatives such as collaboratively buying renewable energy, price benchmarking, introducing electric vehicle chain points and carbon offsetting.

Andy Hornby, chief executive of TRG, said: “During the Covid crisis we have all seen the benefits of working together really closely as a hospitality industry. This industry forum gives us the chance to share best practice as we face into the massive challenge of reducing emissions and tackling climate change.”

The group hopes its industry roadmap to achieving net zero carbon emissions will act as a template for businesses in the UK and worldwide.