National Restaurant Association Takes On Leadership Role in Environmental Efforts with Roadmap for Sustainable Restaurant Operations

The National Restaurant Association today announced it has begun work on a multi-year plan to guide the $511 billion restaurant-and-foodservice industry towards environmentally sound institutional practices and partnerships, and broader national public policy initiatives focusing on sustainability. This new "roadmap to sustainable restaurant operations" aims to orchestrate innovative changes, while serving the best interests of the Association's 375,000 member restaurants. The first phase of the plan is being funded by the Turner Foundation.

"Sustainability and conservation are important and timely issues, and we hope our new initiative will inspire the restaurant industry to explore business solutions that are both eco-smart and business-smart," said Association President and Chief Executive Officer Steven C. Anderson. "Developing environmentally friendly practices is good for the industry, good for consumers, and good for the country. Many restaurateurs, including National Restaurant Association Board members, are passionate about these issues and want to share their enthusiasm. This initiative is a fantastic opportunity to do so."

Niki Leondakis, who is an Association Board member and Chief Operating Officer of the Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group, has been instrumental in advancing the sustainable operations roadmap, and will play a vital role in the effort.

"I am excited about the National Restaurant Association's new plan to assist restaurants in identifying environmentally responsible solutions that work for their businesses, and look forward to helping make the industry-and the country-more eco-friendly," said Leondakis. "At Kimpton, we have a long-term commitment to supporting a sustainable world through our hotel and restaurant EarthCare program. Extending this vision to restaurants nationwide is something of great importance to me."

The Association's plan for sustainable practices comprises several elements from education and business initiatives to engagement in legislative coalitions around policy objectives. The goal is to identify practices that can reduce operational costs for restaurants while conserving energy, water and other natural resources, increase recycling, and encourage the creation and use of sustainable materials and alternative energy sources.

In addition to providing funding, the Turner Foundation will be involved in all aspects of the initiative. The Turner Foundation was established in 1990 by business magnate and philanthropist Ted Turner with a vision toward the preservation and conservation of the environment throughout the world. In accordance with its invitation-only grant-making process, the National Restaurant Association was selected in the spring of 2006 to join the ranks of other prestigious grantees.

"Our Chairman, Mr. Turner, and our trustees are very excited to work with the National Restaurant Association to advance the foundation's mission of protecting and restoring the environment," said Turner Foundation President Michael Finley. "Restaurants play vital roles in communities across the nation, and with their help, I am certain we will see substantial results. Many restaurant operators are already involved in sustainable practices and efforts to protect the environment, and with additional assistance in the form of new and inspirational programs and ideas, they can do even more."

Once the initial research has been completed, the Association will devote a section of its Web site, www.restaurant.org, to inform members of opportunities to actively participate in various sustainability efforts.

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