FEA champions climate leadership
Association calls on Government to be more proactive on sustainability

The foodservice equipment industry’s commitment to sustainability was highlighted at a recent Trade Association Forum (TAF) event entitled ‘Best Practice, Taking Climate Leadership.’  TAF is made up of many of the UK’s leading trade associations.  The event, on 22nd June at the Royal College of General Practitioners in London, saw FEA’s chief executive, John Cunningham, talk about the foodservice equipment industry’s successes, opportunities and challenges on the road to Carbon Net Zero. 

A key area of discussion was that, while foodservice equipment manufacturers and suppliers have made huge strides in developing equipment that is more sustainable, more reliable and lasts longer, they have had limited support from Government.  For example, until recently the Energy Technology List (ETL) only featured refrigeration equipment for foodservice.  That’s recently been widened to include other categories including Professional Food Service Equipment (PFSE), following extensive lobbying from FEA and others.  However, the Government is not really promoting the list and is only now considering the procurement of equipment for public sector use to be solely from manufacturers on the ETL.  Similarly, while FEA and its members are pushing the message on the vital need to manage FOG (Fats, Oil and Grease), legislation in England remains weak.   "We have approached DEFRA and the PM’s office to discuss the matter further and talk about suitable measures that FEA members could help with, but there’s been little appetite to meet us,” Cunningham told the Forum.  “Government needs to up its game and become proactive, and quickly.” 

Meanwhile, FEA has produced the FOG Superguide, which sets out the issues and good practice.  It’s available to download from fea.org.uk under the information tab.    

Cunningham also explained FEA’s own actions to reduce its carbon footprint.  The Association has partnered with CAFA (Climate Action For Associations) and been audited on its carbon emissions.  Its most significant contributor was business travel – and so FEA has taken measures ranging from encouraging working from home to minimising travel by exploiting virtual meeting technology. 

“We need to be an authentic champion of climate leadership for our members,” Cunningham explained.  FEA’s Sustainability Product Group is a forum where members come together to share ideas, challenges and solutions.  The Association is also developing training and support around sustainability, helping members cut through the rhetoric and implement practical steps to meet their sustainability commitments and aspirations. 

‘Best Practice, Taking Climate Leadership’ was chaired by Alison Heppenstall, CEO of CAFA.  Joining Cunningham on the panel were Tessa Vincent, head of policy for UN High Level Champions, Nicki Hunt, climate action roadmap manager at the British Retail Consortium, and Richard Ellithorne, membership services director at the Builders Merchants Federation. 

The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA)is the independent, authoritative voice of the foodservice equipment industry, representing nearly 200 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment - from utensils to full kitchen schemes.  For more information on FEA visit www.fea.org.uk 

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