With the climate crisis more important than ever before, facilities management and contract catering companies have a responsibility to reduce their emissions and join the road to Net Zero.
Our Culinary Director, Ryan Holmes, has outlined some of the key initiatives that are in place to ensure 14forty have a positive impact on the planet and are reducing emissions.
Leading by example
At 14forty, we know first-hand that FM and contract catering companies can have an influence on people when it comes to their diets and eating habits at work. We’re in a position where we’re able to show people how healthy, environmentally friendly and plant-based foods can be adopted into their everyday lives.
“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.
"We also know it’s our responsibility 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 planet-positive move towards a plant-based diet."
Plant-powered menus
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.
“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” explains Ryan.
"We’re also committed to working hand in hand with our suppliers and growers – an essential step that will help us to achieve our goal of a 65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. We use at least 80% British produce on our menus and we’re looking to push that even further.
“Even though we’re a large caterer, we’re still completely committed to serving seasonal British food and putting as few vans on the road as possible – we need to show the industry how achievable this is” says Ryan.
Recycled packaging
At 14forty, we’re committed to reducing emissions and minimising our negative impact on the planet, whilst still providing flavourful, mindful, planet-positive food for your workforce.
As well as the types of food we eat and the distance it travels to reach us, the way it’s packaged is also important. Our ‘Grab and Go’ range is packaged entirely in recycled plastic, and we use jars wherever possible too.
Reducing food waste
According to a recent UN-backed study, more than a third of greenhouse gas emissions are generated by food systems, from the way we grow, prepare, package, and consume our food. Over a third of that food ends up as food waste and if it belonged to a single country, the country would have the third biggest carbon footprint after the US and China.
At 14forty, we believe creativity is a huge factor in our quest to become greener and has a big part to play in how we plan on reducing our food waste by 50%.
“Creativity is key – broccoli stalks can make a nice salad, stir fry, or can be chargrilled for a tasty take on a Caesar salad. Herb stalks and fruit peels should never go to waste, the possibilities are endless” comments Ryan.
Planet-positive contract catering
Our contract catering services aim to empower your company with delicious food, helping employees to be more productive, focussed, and planet-positive. To find out more please contact us on 0121 457 5207 or email enquiries@14forty.co.uk.