Proving Net Zero Works: Zero Carbon Forum Launches 5 Year Review – Major Emissions Cut, Millions Saved, Driving Sector Efficiency and Resilience
- Guild Secretary
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Since 2020, Zero Carbon Forum members have delivered real, measurable progress towards net zero including:
£5million recovered in lost profits by identifying and reducing energy waste
52% reduction in direct energy emissions
825,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions saved (more than the annual carbon footprint of a town the size of Bath, Southampton or York)
Members are on track to meet 2030 net zero targets for direct energy emissions
The Zero Carbon Forum, the award-winning not-for-profit representing over a third of the UK’s brewing and hospitality sector, today unveiled the progress its members have made since 2020 when they collectively set commitments and established a roadmap to net zero.
The 5 Year Review highlights that despite significant economic pressures, from the pandemic to the more recent changes to business taxes, Forum members are collectively on track to meet their 2030 net zero targets for direct energy emissions.
The Review provides evidence that individual and collaborative credible climate action recovers profits, builds operational and supply chain resilience, and drives success within the sector.
This is demonstrated by members recovering over £5 million in lost profits by using the tools and services provided by the Forum to identify and reduce energy waste.
Since 2020, members have delivered a 52% reduction in energy emissions, resulting in a saving of 825,000 tonnes of CO2e - more than the annual carbon footprint of a town the size of Bath, Southampton, or York.
Looking ahead, the majority of emissions, and the hardest to reduce, are those in the sector’s supply chain. The Forum has pioneered industry frameworks and strategically aligned with suppliers for key emissions areas, including beef, dairy, and waste, ensuring that emission reductions will accelerate as a direct result.
Mark Chapman, founder and CEO, Zero Carbon Forum, commented: “Given the sector's current economic pressures, we're proud to launch the 5 Year Review. It clearly proves that implementing the Roadmap delivers credible climate action that protects the bottom line, builds resilience, and grows brands that people love to work for, buy from and invest in. Through our collaboration, individual businesses are cutting more carbon and recovering more profits than going alone. With further support from the UK Government to unlock barriers, such as grid capacity, we will accelerate our progress. This is a model that could be adopted in every industry and every country.”
Chris McDonald, Minister for Industry, Department of Energy Security & Net Zero, said: “Our pubs and restaurants are playing a leading role in cutting emissions, which is not only good for the planet but for cutting their costs too. The work of the Zero Carbon Forum for the brewing and hospitality industry shows how adopting green technology can also make a positive difference to a business’ bottom line. Adopting the latest technology means using less energy. Our mission for clean power by 2030 will get us off the rollercoaster of fossil fuel prices, to cut bills for businesses and households for good.”
The Forum’s successful approach proves that collaboration is key - accelerating progress and shaping a competitive, future-ready industry. The Forum has grown from 22 founding members to over 70 brewing and hospitality leaders, enabling shared solutions and achieving more together than any one business could alone.
The Review demonstrates how progress is possible with strong leadership, a clear pathway, and a commitment to action.
Mark Chapman continues, “A low-carbon, thriving future is possible for the sector and the Forum’s Roadmap is one of the most effective tools we have to mitigate the current challenging circumstances facing operators and brewers.”
Building on this strong foundation, the focus is now on staying committed and scaling this success: collaborating with the supply chain to cut the hardest emissions, building climate resilience, and enabling sustained, efficient growth for the sector.
The Forum is hosting a webinar on 22 January to share how they have enabled the sector to achieve these results and what’s next as they look ahead to 2030 and beyond.
Tim Doubleday, Chair of the Sustainability Committee of the Hospitality Sector Council: “The Zero Carbon Forum is an essential partner to the work of the Sustainability Committee of the Hospitality Sector Council and it’s great to see the progress that’s been made since it was established in 2020. The Forum’s collaboration with the Sector Council supports the industry’s objectives as we collaborate across Government to reduce our environmental impact and help SME businesses in particular in areas like energy efficiency.”
Nicola Pierce, Director of Commercial Planning and ESG, Burger King UK: "As a founding member of the Zero Carbon Forum, it’s great to see the roadmap we set in 2020 delivering tangible results. The Forum has clearly demonstrated the benefits of collaboration in driving impact, and we are looking forward to continuing to work together as we move into the next phase.”
Mike Hanson, Sustainability Director, WSH: "As we reflect on five years of progress, I’m proud to stand alongside our members in driving real change across the hospitality sector - delivering measurable impact reductions, fostering collaboration, and proving that sustainability and net zero are achievable through collective action. As an operational board member, I’m inspired by what we’ve accomplished and even more excited about the future we’re building together."
Kat Harper, Director of Sustainability, Greene King: “As proud members of the Zero Carbon Forum, we celebrate the incredible progress the hospitality industry has made in such a short time. Together, we’ve shown that collaboration and commitment can drive meaningful change, reduce emissions, and build a more sustainable future for our sector.”
ENDS
Contact: nicola.evans@zerocarboncompany.org
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