For most LEAF certified restaurants, LEAF certification is recognition of the effort they have put into making their businesses sustainable, but it is by no means the end of their sustainability journey. Recognizing that there is always room for improvement, many of these leaders take to implementing recommendations from their LEAF auditor in the months following their initial audit. All LEAF Certified businesses, including restaurants, cafes, institutions and more, are required to maintain their certification by completing “Site Visits” by an independent LEAF auditor. These site visits ensure the integrity of the LEAF program is upheld, and verifies that green practices remain in place. The site visit also serves as an opportunity for LEAF restaurants to celebrate their achievements. The following Calgary businesses demonstrate how the LEAF program fosters continual advancement in the green foodservice industry within its membership base.
Catch & The Oyster Bar
Catch & The Oyster Bar, Calgary
The decline of the bee population over recent decades has resulted in a threat to the global food supply. Overuse of pesticides in agriculture, especially neonicotinoids, is believed to be the cause of this decline, highlighting the importance of organic agriculture. Catch & The Oyster Bar is the first LEAF restaurant to incorporate beehives on site, which will assist with pollination and provide hyperlocal honey for the restaurant. Since their first audit, Catch has also been able to convert 50% of their lighting from halogen to LEDs, saving large amounts of energy. They are aiming for 100% LEDs by the end of the year. Catch & the Oyster Bar also reduce their electricity related emissions footprint through sourcing with Bullfrog Power, one of Alberta’s provider of 100 per cent renewable electricity.
Big Fish & Open Range
In the past year, Big Fish and Open Range addressed three main areas of sustainability: food, energy and water use. They added organic wine options to their menu, as well as more vegetarian menu options. These actions will provide diners with more environmentally friendly food and beverage choices. They also sought to lower their energy consumption by switching from halogen to LED lighting, and reduced water use by installing dual flush toilets.
Cassis Bistro
Cassis Bistro was able to increase nearly 20 points in their first year of certification, which allowed them to go from a Level 1 to Level 2 standing. To achieve these additional points, they eliminated the use of individual coffee capsules and replaced them with bulk, organic and Fairtrade coffee, increased organic wine choices, installed an Energy Star dishwasher, switched to an environmentally-conscious laundry service, and added environmental charities to their donation roster.
Well done! A big Congrats to these Calgary businesses for showing leadership in green foodservice! Show them your support by visiting one of these LEAF certified restaurants for your next meal!
