The plan has nine targets and director Phil Jones explains why Heinz Foodservice has got behind this new initiative: "The foodservice industry has a responsibility to limit the level of natural resources it uses and protect the environment wherever possible. At Heinz Foodservice, we are keen to ensure the overall company achieves its global vision to be recognised as the trusted leader in nutrition and wellness, dedicated to the sustainable health of people, the planet and the company."

 

The nine sustainability goals, with a target date of 2011, are:

· Greenhouse gas emissions – 25% reduction

· Energy consumption – 25% reduction

· Renewable energy – 15% to come from renewable sources

· Water – 35% reduction

· Packaging – 7% total packaging reduction and 15% reduction in carbon emissions

· Transport – 25% reduction in carbon emissions

· Waste/landfill – 20% reduction in solid waste

· Agriculture – 15% reduction in carbon emissions; 15% reduction in water usage and improvements in yields of 5% by 2015

· Personal sustainability – encouraging and supporting employee engagement through voluntary personal sustainability campaign

 

The goals, which will be closely monitored, are stepping stones towards becoming carbon and water neutral, support employees further and work in partnership with communities in which it plays a part.

 

Foodservice accounts for around 14% of energy consumption by UK businesses a year, seven million tonnes of carbon emissions, 10% of all industrial use of public water and industrial and commercial wastestream and 25% of all HGV vehicle kilometres.