CIEH piloting sustainability scheme within the SME food service sector
The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health NI (CIEH NI) is giving local businesses in the food service sector the opportunity to make considerable financial savings and improve their environmental impact as part of a pilot scheme which will assess key areas of sustainability within the business such as waste, utilities and procurement.
The scheme which is in partnership with Food NI and Pubs of Ulster is supported by the Department of Environment’s Challenge Fund and will see participants receive practical, hands on, tailored advice for their business from a team of specialist advisors with considerable experience in the restaurant sector.
Speaking about the pilot Gary McFarlane, Director CIEH NI said “By identifying and adopting extremely simple solutions, restaurants can save money whilst also reducing their environmental impact, improving their economic performance and profitability and ensuring they stay in business, which has social sustainability benefits. For example, we can help businesses rethink and redesign their food waste arrangements and not only save money but potentially connect them to existing schemes that would see such waste reused and this is just one of the areas that our team of specialists can help with.”
Gordon Harvey, formerly of Botanic Inns will be heading up the practical aspect of the project and wants to encourage everyone within the SME food sector to apply. “We are looking for 15 companies within the food service sector in Northern Ireland to commit to a scheme that will undoubtedly be beneficial for their business. I would encourage anyone who would like to not only make cost reductions within their business but also make a difference to their environmental impact to apply to the scheme in order to receive the support needed to put the necessary steps in place.”
For further information and to apply simply download and complete the application form fromhttp://www.cieh-nireland.org/ and send, complete with payment, to CIEH NI Directorate, Philip House, 123 York Street, Belfast, BT15 1AB. The closing date for application is 31st January 2014.
