How our sustainability ambitions are keeping us on course

Did you know that our buildings are powered with 100% renewable energy? It’s just one of many achievements we’ve hit. And you better watch this space, because we’ve got plenty more goals that we’re determined to reach.

In 2019, we agreed on a sustainability strategy that was designed so we could continue creating moments that matter, in a more sustainable way. But we’re conscious that when it comes to climate change, time is of the essence. So we’ve ramped things up and set even more challenging targets.

Read on to hear more about our sustainability aim and how our sustainability pillars are keeping us on course. Or, take a look at M&B’s latest Annual Report to get all the details about our plan.

Our sustainability journey

When we caught up with Amy de Marsac, Head of Investor Relations and Sustainability at M&B ahead of World Earth Day, she gave us an insight into M&B’s journey to Net-Zero and her experience working on the sustainability agenda.

When faced with the task of taking on a sustainability) project in one of the biggest hospitality businesses in the UK, Amy explained, ‘There’s a lot to be said for just starting on the journey of trying to operate more sustainably.’

We’re not where we want to be yet, and that’s because it’s a journey. Amy summed up our main belief when she said, ‘I’ve learned a lot very quickly, but one thing I keep in mind is that there is so much that you could potentially do. You could have an endless list. The key to it is prioritising.’

Take food waste as an example. We limit this as much as we can by:

- Saving around 12,000 meals a week from being wasted through Too Good To Go in Toby Carvery Stonehouse and Harvester

- Working with Fareshare to redistribute surplus food to communities who need it

Now, we still end up with unavoidable food waste, but that’s used to generate renewable energy. Not bad, hey!

What is our sustainability aim?

Our strategy has been developed to align with the issues addressed by the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It’s our opportunity to protect our lovely planet and enhance our contribution to society. Here are our targets:

1. Reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030
2. Reduce food waste by 20% by 2025
3. Increase the proportion of waste recycled to 80% by 2025

But how are we going to achieve our ambitious goals?

Our sustainability pillars

As Amy puts it, ‘Our sustainability ambitions are long-term and will continue to adapt and learn over time.’ What’s important is having a clear vision of where you’re heading. This is where our sustainability pillars come in.

1. Respect for the planet

We are committed to reducing our emissions, tackling waste and protecting biodiversity

2. Pride in our offers

We strive to deliver responsibly sourced products and menu options for everyone

3. Care for communities

People are central to our business, we are focused on supporting our teams and the communities we serve

How does M&B’s progress compare to other hospitality companies?

To get an idea of our impact, we asked Amy where M&B sat compared to our competitors. She explained how great it is to look at other hospitality companies and see that we’re leading the way. M&B is a founding member of the Zero Carbon Forum which aims to develop a roadmap for hospitality to achieve Net-Zero emissions by 2040. After all, we might all be on our own journey, but we’re working towards the same goal.

Make an impact with an M&B career

Whatever you’re looking for, whether it’s a kitchen job, management position, bar and waiting job or a place working in our head office, you can make an impact with M&B.

If you’re not quite ready to start the search, sign up for job alerts and stay tuned for more updates on our journey.