The Growing Importance of Sustainability in Restaurants
As sustainability becomes increasingly important in our daily lives, restaurants, which play a significant role in social life, are also taking swift action in this area. Sustainable gastronomy, with its many technical features, is supported by global organizations offering consultancy and rating services. Below, you’ll find some key rating organizations leading the way in sustainable dining:
Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) – United Kingdom
The Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) is a leading organization that evaluates and rates the sustainability performance of restaurants. Restaurants are assessed across various areas like environmental impact, community involvement, and supply chain ethics. SRA provides sustainability guides and certifies establishments that meet specific criteria, allowing them to earn 1 to 3 stars based on their performance.
The assessment focuses on three main pillars:
- Environmental Sustainability: Covers topics like energy use, water conservation, waste management, and carbon footprint, examining how well a restaurant implements eco-friendly practices.
- Social Sustainability: Looks at factors such as supporting the local community, employee rights, and ethical sourcing within the supply chain.
- Economic Sustainability: Evaluates the restaurant’s ability to sustain itself long-term, support the local economy, and manage finances responsibly.
Restaurants can receive one, two, or three stars, with three stars being the highest recognition, indicating advanced sustainability practices. While SRA stars aren’t widely recognized in Turkey yet, they’re considered a significant benchmark for sustainable restaurants globally.
Green Restaurant Association (GRA) – United States
Based in the U.S., the Green Restaurant Association (GRA) certifies and rates restaurants based on sustainability criteria, covering areas like energy use, water efficiency, waste management, chemical usage, and sustainable food sourcing. Restaurants receive certification and ratings after earning points across these categories.
Michelin Green Star
In 2020, the Michelin Guide introduced the “Michelin Green Star” to honor restaurants excelling in sustainability. This award is given to establishments that prioritize eco-friendly practices, use local and organic food sources, and actively manage waste. The Michelin Green Star has quickly become a globally recognized standard.
LEAF (Leaders in Environmentally Accountable Foodservice) – Canada
LEAF is a Canadian-based rating system assessing the environmental impact of restaurants. Criteria include energy efficiency, waste management, water conservation, and the use of local and organic foods. Restaurants are rated from 1 to 3 levels and receive certification based on their performance.
B Corp Certification – Global
B Corp certification is a global evaluation system not limited to restaurants but open to all businesses. Restaurants that achieve B Corp certification demonstrate their commitment to sustainability through an assessment of social responsibility, environmental impact, worker rights, and ethical sourcing.
Food Made Good – Global
Considered the global version of the SRA, “Food Made Good” evaluates and rates sustainable restaurants worldwide. This platform helps restaurants reduce their environmental impact and build more ethical supply chains.
Slow Food Movement – Italy-Based Global Organization
Slow Food supports local and sustainable food production and offers a certification system for restaurants aligned with these values. Certified restaurants focus on local, seasonal, and eco-friendly sourcing from producers committed to sustainable practices.
These international rating systems and certifications provide globally accepted criteria for sustainable restaurant operations. By obtaining these certifications, restaurants can showcase their commitment to environmental and social sustainability.
Sustainability Practices in Turkiye
Sustainable restaurant practices not only benefit the environment but also support responsible business models. While this movement is gaining momentum globally, it’s also increasingly being adopted in Turkey. Though a formal rating system or widespread institution for sustainable restaurant practices isn’t yet available in Turkiye local initiatives and NGOs are promoting programs and projects to enhance sustainability in restaurants.
Some international certification systems and guides can also be applied by restaurants in Turkey. For example:
- Green Key Certification: Green Key is a global environmental certification for hotels, restaurants, and tourist facilities. While it’s more commonly seen in the hospitality sector in Turkey, it’s also a valid sustainability certification for restaurants.
- Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA): SRA offers a framework that can be used by restaurants in Turkey to evaluate their sustainability practices, from menu planning to waste management.
- BREEAM and LEED Certifications: These certifications evaluate the environmental performance of buildings and are important for sustainable restaurants as well. Restaurants that meet sustainability standards in areas like energy and water efficiency can earn these certifications.
Guides and Initiatives in Turkiye
In Turkey, there are several guides and initiatives focused on sustainability and zero-waste projects:
- Zero Waste Project: Launched by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, this project provides guides and implementation resources for businesses, including restaurants, on waste management, recycling, and sustainable resource use.
- Guides on Working with Local Producers: Various NGOs and agricultural cooperatives are publishing guides for restaurants on sourcing local and sustainable products, raising awareness of the benefits of using local and organic produce.
Although sustainable restaurant practices are still emerging in Turkey, awareness is growing around using local ingredients, organic produce, and preventing food waste. Especially in major cities like Istanbul and Izmir, the number of restaurants focusing on organic, local, and sustainable ingredients is increasing. Some establishments are adopting environmentally friendly practices by improving waste management and energy conservation. For example, several businesses are embracing zero-waste policies, incorporating composting and recycling programs.
Prepared by “Yesim Sarisu”