Sustainability is more than just a buzzword. With the worst impacts of climate change expected to be irreversible as soon as 2030, environmental responsibility is an important topic of conversation for most corporations and businesses. As sustainable operations shift from a nice-to-have to a must, many restaurants and retailers are searching for ways they can “go green”. Sustainability strategies paired with energy-efficient tools like connected equipment not only protect the environment but can also reduce long-term risk, increase profits and improve overall operational efficiency.
Making a commitment to sustainability isn’t only beneficial for the environment, it’s also good for business. A 2017 study by Cone Communications found that consumers are supporting earthly initiatives with their wallets. The report revealed that 87 percent of Americans would support businesses who advocate for social and environmental responsibility, and 76 percent would boycott businesses that don’t. Sustainability is bigger than providing recyclable bags or going paperless. It should be part of a larger strategy that includes environmental considerations across the entire supply chain and all business operations.
One way food service and retail organizations can become more sustainable is by using connected equipment. Solutions like Open Kitchen and SiteSage can support sustainability goals and drastically reduce an operation’s carbon footprint. Here are four ways connected equipment can make a business more sustainable.
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Reduce energy consumption
Significant energy savings are achieved when equipment is connected, analyzed, and controlled using the power of the Internet-of-Things (IoT). Connected equipment reduces operating costs, ensures system uptime and product quality, and cuts energy and maintenance expenses.
Impact on the Earth: Emissions from power plants are reduced with reduced energy consumption, which conserves the Earth’s natural resources and protects ecosystems.
Impact on the business: Less money is spent on energy bills. For example, Open Kitchen and SiteSage reduce energy consumption by as much as 20 percent, sometimes more.
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Preserve capital equipment
Connected equipment makes it possible to keep assets running at peak performance. When a business is able to shift from reactive to proactive servicing, equipment lasts longer, can be repaired and doesn’t run to failure.
Impact on the Earth: Fewer pieces of capital equipment end up in landfills, which protects the environment from harmful chemicals and metals.
Impact on the business: Money is saved with proactive equipment repairs instead of untimely and expensive replacement.
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Reduce food waste
Smart kitchens ensure every piece of equipment is running optimally, and that food quality is upheld and maintained. Real-time access and insights into kitchen and equipment operations ultimately translates into less food thrown in the garbage.
Impact on the Earth: Methane emissions from landfills are reduced, plus the pollution generated from producing food and then hauling and landfilling food waste.
Impact on the business: Lower overall food costs — and the costs associated with food disposal are minimized.
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Reduce water usage
Connected equipment can be used to monitor and reduce water usage. For example, Powerhouse Dynamics made it possible for fast food sandwich restaurant chain, Arby’s, to monitor the irrigation system at hundreds of its locations. This saves more than 7.4 million gallons of water each year, enough to fill more than 11 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Impact on the Earth: Less water is diverted from rivers, bays, and estuaries, which keeps the environment healthy. Water and wastewater treatment costs are also reduced, as well as the amount of energy used to treat, pump, and heat water.
Impact on the business: Less money is spent on water and electricity bills.
Sustainability is becoming more and more essential for food service and retail organizations everywhere. Developing environmentally conscious business strategies is one way to make a positive impact on the Earth, as well as customers. Looking for ways to make a business more sustainable? Email one of our experts to talk more about how connected equipment can help.