Sustainability: The Key to a Successful Restaurant

In today's economy, starting a new restaurant business may seems like a scary idea, however, there are a few things you can do to help ensure the success of your new business. One way to make sure your business is seen in a positive manner is to be eco-friendly. Consumers are becoming increasingly more aware of the effects they are having on the environment, and are choosing restaurants and businesses that are striving to be more environmentally-friendly as well. Proving yourself as a sustainable restaurant will win over many customers from the very start, however the concept of sustainability is often more easily said that accomplished.

Since operating a sustainable restaurant is so important, yet still somewhat difficult for new business owners, I have researched the topic and am including 5 tips to help you achieve sustainability without breaking the bank. Please feel free to add your own ideas for sustainability via our comments section, we would love to hear from you!

1. Purchase ENERGY STAR® Rated Equipment

The ENERGY STAR® program is designed to help people and businesses make more informed decisions about their equipment and hopefully encourage the use of ENERGY STAR® rated equipment. Equipment that is certified to meet these certain standards concerning energy efficiency is guaranteed to reduce the operating costs of your business and prove to the community that you taking strides to become a more sustainable establishment.

Any time you have a new start up restaurant, ENERGY STAR® rated equipment is definitely the best option. You should also consider this eco-friendly alternative when replacing old or worn out equipment.

2. Invest in Low-Flow Faucets and Sprayers

Low-flow faucets and sprayers play an important role in helping to preserve our water supply and help minimize the amount of water your business consumes. The flow of water from low-flow faucets is very direct, helping to make sure that all food particles are cleaned from the plate.

3. Create a Start-Up and Shut-Down List for Employees

Having a strict checklist for employees will help reduce the amount of energy your restaurant uses when these pieces of equipment are not actually in use. On this checklist, employees should keep a record of when coils or filters are replaced. Maintaining these coils or filters will help to extend the life of you appliances and equipment and allow these appliances to work at optimal level.

4. Use Recycled / Reused Materials

Using recycled / reused materials when constructing your new restaurant is an excellent way to ensure that you are making the smallest carbon footprint possible. Using these type of materials will also help to earn you LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) credits, which could help earn your LEED certification.

5. Hire an Energy Consultant

When starting up your new business or remodeling your old one, you should consider some type of energy consultant or another professional with knowledge of proper building procedures and federal incentives for "green" building. These professionals may be able to help you make the most of your purchases and help you receive the most from any incentives or rebates your state offers on energy-efficiency.