The road to Net Zero – reducing emissions in workplace catering

With the climate crisis being more pressing than ever before, contract catering companies have a responsibility to reduce emissions and get on the road to Net Zero.

At Eurest, we also know that we're in a unique position of influence when it comes to people’s eating habits.

We have the opportunity to show how easily we can adopt healthier, more plant-based and environmentally friendly eating habits in our everyday lives.

Our Culinary Director, Ryan Holmes, has outlined some key initiatives Eurest has implemented to make a positive impact.

“What’s really important is that we take people on the journey with us, rather than asking them to change their diets overnight” says Ryan.

At Eurest, we’re trying to change the way people think about food. That’s why plant-based meals are now at the top of our menus, encouraging people to give them a try and make a move towards a plant-based diet.

With the livestock sector contributing 14.5% of all greenhouse gas emissions, reducing meat consumption is a hugely effective approach to lowering total emissions. That’s why we’re making 40% of the proteins on our menu plant-based by 2030 and encouraging other contract catering companies to do so too.

“As a chef, it’s a vitally important part of my job to take the carbon footprint of my menus into account, which takes creativity and a lot of commitment” explains Ryan.

“If we give people really enticing plant-based options that they know are good for them, because our nutritional criteria around protein and fibre is so clear, then we’re making it easy for them to make a more environmentally friendly choice.”