News
COCA-COLA ACCELERATES PATH TO ZERO WITH NET ZERO PUBS AND BARS INITIATIVES
29/04/2021
Action on Climate | CCEP
- Initiative will be delivered by the Sustainable Restaurant Association and Net Zero Now
- Net Zero Pubs and Bars initiatives will enable operators to assess their climate impact, set targets and put plans in place to receive an accreditation
- Initiatives form part of Coca-Cola’s support for the government’s Race to Zero campaign, its commitment to reduce emissions across its value chain by 30% by 2030, and its overall net zero 2040 target
Pubs and bars in GB took a step forward today on the journey to net zero, with the launch of two new initiatives supported by Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) and delivered by the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA).
This follows a report from the British Standards Institution (BSI) that reveals that most SMEs do not feel prepared to deliver on the government’s net zero ambitions due to challenges including a lack of in-house expertise and resources[1].
The Net Zero Pubs and Bars initiatives, or alternatively known as protocols, will help to overcome these barriers, defining what ‘net zero’ means for the sector, providing guidance on how to reduce carbon emissions and then the actions needed to reduce their carbon footprint and a standard against which they can be certified. It will put the tools for a coherent and ambitious climate strategy in the hands of all businesses through a practical three step approach of Calculate, Mitigate, Compensate.
Pubs and bars that are successfully net zero certified will be able to display their Net Zero Pub or Net Zero Bar accreditation in their outlet and various point-of-sales materials will be made available to help them showcase their achievement and engage customers.
The Sustainable Restaurant Association will deliver the programme in GB, starting with a pilot in early summer, followed by a launch of the pilot’s findings in July. A report on progress will be published and shared at COP26, including the final Net Zero Pub and Bars Protocols.
Globally, the food and drink system is estimated to be responsible for 30% of GHG emissions[2] and pubs and bars are ideally placed to capitalise on consumers’ increased desire to be a part of the solution.
This initiative is a continuation of Coca-Cola’s ‘Open’ campaign* aimed at helping pubs, cafes, and restaurants to get back on their feet following the pandemic and thrive in the future. It forms part of CCEP’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions across its value chain by 30% by 2030, before bringing them to net zero by 2040. It also forms part of the business’ support for the United Nations’ Climate Change Race to Zero campaign in a bid to encourage other organisations to pledge their support in the run up to COP26.
Nick Brown, Head of Sustainability at CCEP said: “We’re more committed than ever to accelerate on the path to zero. We’ve set out some ambitious targets for our business to reach net zero by 2040, but to really shift the dial we need work together as an industry – and bring smaller businesses on board. Just one in five SMEs have committed to a net zero target, in contrast to around half of larger businesses[3]. It’s imperative we play our part in leveraging our resources to share insight and guidance.
“COP26 is also on the horizon and we want to use this as a platform to support the Race to Zero campaign, driving change across the supply chain. We want to make it easier for our customers to get involved and these guides will clearly lay out what businesses can do, and hopefully inspire them to join us on the Race to Zero. This forms part of our wider package of support to the sector, as we look to help customers recover from the pandemic and build back better.”
Andrew Griffith, UK Net Zero Business Champion, said: “As the UK’s Net Zero Business Champion, I am delighted to see the Net Zero Pub and Bar Protocol set up to support businesses in what is an incredibly important sector of the UK economy.
“This initiative very much aligns with the UK’s plans to build back greener and my ambition to encourage businesses far and wide to join the UN’s Race to Zero ahead of COP26. I look forward to working with the Sustainable Restaurant Association to champion pubs, bars, and restaurants as they begin their net zero journeys.”
Simon Heppner, CEO, Net Zero Now and Founder of the SRA, said: “It’s become increasingly clear that we’re all drinking in the last chance saloon. For too long practical action has been stalled by confusion about what we need to do. With Net Zero that has changed; there’s now a very clear destination and this important initiative will give pubs and bars a pragmatic, accessible and affordable way to be at the forefront of the race to net zero.
Juliane Caillouette-Noble, Managing Director of the SRA, said: “A growing number of businesses across the whole hospitality sector have been telling us for some time that they want to be part of the solution. For many, the concept of net zero can feel intangible and unachievable. We’re really excited to be the delivery partner for the Net Zero Pub and Bar Protocol because it is tailored to the unique features and needs of the sector.”
Businesses that would like more information can contact the SRA: [email protected]. CCEP customers should head to CCEP’s new trade website, My.CCEP.COM for more information.