Restaurants face specific challenges for sustainability,
similar to those faced by supermarkets -- food must be
preserved at both facilities, limiting the ability to reduce
refrigeration, and limiting the choice of certain materials in food preparation areas. Green is definitely in the details!
The use of efficient equipment and on-site renewable energy can result in the savings of up to 15% of the total bill. Check with your local utility company for rebates, incentives, and test kitchens that allow you to test new equipment choices...and even recipe refinements.
Lighting accounts for 13% of a restaurant's electricity. A shift to energy efficient lighting can save 70% to 75% of that cost, reducing the total bill by 8%. Solar light tubes, natural lighting, CFLs and LED lights are some of the options that reduce electricity use.
LED lights in 24/7 locations can be quite cost effective: consider signage and exit signs! The cost of LED lighting systems are coming down fast. Their cost effectiveness needs to be monitored for ROI and practical investment for savings as energy costs rise.
More sophisticated technology can allow a restaurant to convert its waste oil into biofuels to generate power for delivery vehicles or electricity, or uploading into the grid for electricity savings.
Water-conservation measures such as waterless urinals and water-conserving spray nozzles also can help reduce the average restaurant water use that averages 300,000 gallons of water per year.
Health codes can prevent the installation of compact fluorescent bulbs above food preparation areas, but can make a significant difference elsewhere.
Consultants and small businesses that can audit green opportunities and provide connections with qualified installation firms can help these businesses save energy, save money, and provide their customers with more sustainable community services.
All is a day's work and a satisfying career.
The use of efficient equipment and on-site renewable energy can result in the savings of up to 15% of the total bill. Check with your local utility company for rebates, incentives, and test kitchens that allow you to test new equipment choices...and even recipe refinements.
Lighting accounts for 13% of a restaurant's electricity. A shift to energy efficient lighting can save 70% to 75% of that cost, reducing the total bill by 8%. Solar light tubes, natural lighting, CFLs and LED lights are some of the options that reduce electricity use.
LED lights in 24/7 locations can be quite cost effective: consider signage and exit signs! The cost of LED lighting systems are coming down fast. Their cost effectiveness needs to be monitored for ROI and practical investment for savings as energy costs rise.
More sophisticated technology can allow a restaurant to convert its waste oil into biofuels to generate power for delivery vehicles or electricity, or uploading into the grid for electricity savings.
Water-conservation measures such as waterless urinals and water-conserving spray nozzles also can help reduce the average restaurant water use that averages 300,000 gallons of water per year.
Health codes can prevent the installation of compact fluorescent bulbs above food preparation areas, but can make a significant difference elsewhere.
Consultants and small businesses that can audit green opportunities and provide connections with qualified installation firms can help these businesses save energy, save money, and provide their customers with more sustainable community services.
All is a day's work and a satisfying career.