4 hospitality companies leading the way on climate action

Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have in the hospitality industry — it’s a business necessity. With increasing regulatory pressure, shifting customer expectations, and the growing impact of climate change, hospitality businesses are finding that taking action isn’t just about responsibility—it’s about resilience. This is particularly evident as 70% of Brits are now actively trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle (Nutritics, 2024), and 44% say sustainability is important in their choice of venue to visit (Morning Advertiser, 2023). From tackling food waste to cutting carbon emissions, the sector is facing both challenges and opportunities to drive meaningful change.

At the heart of this transformation is the food system. The hospitality industry relies on farming—a sector responsible for nearly 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions and one that is increasingly vulnerable to climate disruption. Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather, and supply chain instability are already affecting food availability and costs, making sustainability not just an ethical priority but a commercial imperative. This is reflected in consumer behavior, with 47% of consumers wanting more information about carbon footprints on menus, and 41% saying this information would influence their order (CGA Strategy, 2023).

Fortunately, forward-thinking hospitality businesses are stepping up, driven by clear market demand—34% of UK pub and restaurant goers are prepared to spend more in venues with strong sustainability credentials, increasing to 47% for Gen Z and Millennials (Sustainability Beat, 2023). This generational shift is significant, with consumers aged 18-34 being nearly twice as likely to pay more for sustainability than those aged 55+ (WaterAid, 2023).

As the food and beverage industry awakens to its environmental responsibilities, and with climate change threatening to fundamentally disrupt global food security, restaurants and food service enterprises are stepping up to take meaningful climate action. These pioneering businesses are demonstrating how sustainability can enhance business performance while making a positive environmental impact, even as they navigate the unique challenges of being both a contributor to and victim of climate change.

Read about four hospitality companies that are championing climate action, and explore how they are turning environmental challenges into business opportunities.

Whether it’s engaging employees, measuring carbon footprints, or developing new sustainable service offerings, these venues are setting the standard for a greener future in hospitality.

1. Hawksmoor: Leading Sustainability in Fine Dining
2. Freemans Event Partners: Pioneering Sustainable Event Catering
3. Lisini Pub Co: Family Legacy Meets Sustainable Innovation
4. The Assemblies: Pioneering Sustainable Hospitality in Bristol

Hawksmoor: leading sustainability in fine dining

Key Improvements:

• Achieved B Corp certification in September 2022
• Comprehensive review of operational sustainability across all locations
• Implementation of energy reduction initiatives
• Enhanced waste management systems
• Water conservation measures
• Integration of sustainability into staff training programs

Hawksmoor’s journey exemplifies how restaurant groups can lead in sustainability within the hospitality sector. Their comprehensive approach includes setting ambitious net-zero targets for 2030 while focusing on immediate operational improvements. The restaurant group’s commitment is evidenced by their systematic review of day-to-day operations across their locations in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and New York. What sets them apart is their holistic approach to sustainability: examining energy usage, waste management, and water consumption while maintaining their reputation for quality dining. Their structured approach to employee engagement includes a two-day intensive induction program that emphasises sustainability, making it a core part of their culture.

Ellie Besley-Gould, Head of Purpose at Hawksmoor, said:

We’ve been heavily involved with the Sustainable Restaurant Association since about 12 years ago… It’s a really important area for us to be stepping up the work in, looking at how we can inspire change.

Freemans Event Partners: pioneering sustainable event catering

Key Improvements:

• Achieved 38.4% reduction in emissions compared to projections
• Implemented innovative “Zero Zone” testing area
• Introduced shuttle buggies for reduced transport emissions
• Deployed hybrid power generators
• Established carbon menu labelling
• Enhanced waste management through compostable solutions

Freemans Event Partners’ journey demonstrates how large-scale event catering can embrace sustainability without compromising service quality. Their innovative approach at the British Grand Prix showcases their commitment to reducing environmental impact in high-pressure environments. The company’s dedication is evidenced by exceeding their initial 5% emissions reduction target and implementing a groundbreaking “Zero Zone” area for testing new sustainability initiatives. What sets them apart is their data-driven approach to sustainability: measuring and analysing emissions across all aspects of their operation, from food stalls to logistics and waste management.

Richard West, Sustainability Manager at Freemans Event Partners, said:

Through partnering we’ve realised that collaboration is key to making lasting and impactful environmental changes in the events catering industry. The process has been much more straightforward than we thought it would be and we look forward to setting even bigger reductions targets as we go forward.

Lisini Pub Co: family legacy meets sustainable innovation

Key Improvements:

• Reduced scope 1 and 2 emissions by 48% through renewable electricity
• Won the Flor de Cana Rum Sustainability Award
• Achieved lowest electricity demand in 10 years
• Implemented LED lighting and sensor systems
• Launched biodiversity project at Dalziel Park
• Developed sustainable kitchen practices and menu innovation
• Created venue-specific green teams

Lisini Pub Co’s journey demonstrates how family-owned hospitality businesses can transform their environmental impact while preserving their heritage. Their comprehensive approach combines traditional Scottish hospitality with modern sustainability practices across their venues, including the historic Angels hotel in Uddingston. What sets them apart is their innovative approach to sustainability: implementing competitive green teams across venues, achieving dramatic emissions reductions, and maintaining their commitment to quality service. Their structured approach includes both operational improvements and employee engagement, making sustainability a core part of their 45-year family legacy.

Siobhan Edwards, Director Lisini Pub Group, said:

It’s not until we’ve been working in the last year that we’ve really truly understood our carbon footprint. It’s the right thing to do, it’s the right thing for our customers, for our planet, for the environment, and actually it saves us money at the same time.

The Assemblies: Pioneering Sustainable Hospitality in Bristol

Key Improvements:

• Established 100-mile radius local sourcing policy
• Implemented full venue LED lighting systems
• Introduced reusable cups for music events
• Developed nose-to-tail food waste reduction policy
• Created vegetarian menu options to reduce emissions
• Enhanced supplier partnerships for sustainability
• Achieved an impressive 3-star rating in the Food Made Good Standard, scoring 92% overall and 91% specifically in environmental practices

The Assemblies’ journey showcases how urban hospitality venues can lead in sustainability while building strong community connections. Since their inception in 2009, they’ve demonstrated that local sourcing and environmental responsibility can coexist with business success. What sets them apart is their data-driven approach to sustainability: analysing carbon ratings, implementing local sourcing policies, and creating innovative menu solutions. Their comprehensive strategy includes everything from sound system upgrades to waste reduction initiatives, making sustainability integral to their operation.

Anna Blightman, Brand Marketing Manager, said:

Something that our partnership has allowed us to do, is lay all the data out on the table so that we can actually look at it, and stand to analyse it and understand where we can make changes. If we don’t start now, when will we start?

As these leading hospitality companies show, meaningful climate action can drive significant business benefits—from stronger customer and employee engagement to enhanced brand reputation and risk mitigation. By taking a thoughtful, transparent, and impactful approach, businesses can pave the way for a sustainable future.

Ready to take the lead in climate action? Book in a 30 minute discovery call with our Hospitality sector experts and find out more about partnering with Ecologi to measure your emissions, set reduction goals and fund high-quality climate action on the road to net-zero.