This year’s finalists are:
Hall & Woodhouse
Family-owned business Hall & Woodhouse has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability in a variety of ways.
This year, the Dorset-based business achieved a 12% reduction in gas and 7% in electricity usage across its managed estate in 2024.
Behavioural change has been the driving force behind the reductions while Hall & Woodhouse has also piloted various technical improvements including smart cellar cooling, voltage optimisation and the installation of solar panels in five of its pubs and brewery.
The company has pledged to spend £1m this year to support its sustainability efforts, illustrating its dedication to reducing its environmental impact through further technological improvements and increase the number of fully electric kitchens from nine to 23.
Mitchells & Butlers
Reducing the consumption of energy is a firm focus for Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), which it is doing through a number of initiatives.
Aims include achieving net zero emissions by 2040 across scopes 1, 2 and 3, diverting all operational waste from landfill by 2030 and increasing recycling rates.
Furthermore, the business is switching from gas to electric kitchens as part of its sustainability strategy as well as expanding its use of renewable energy with more than 100 sites now having solar panels.
Moreover, M&B places emphasis on responsible sourcing, working with suppliers who are committed to best practice in animal welfare, working with them to ensure standards and targets are being met.
Punch Pubs
Punch looks to tackle its environmental impacts through its ESG priorities, which runs through its ‘Doing Well, By Doing Good’ programme.
Through carbon management, waste reduction and sustainable procurement, the company is taking its responsibility to its people, planet and pubs seriously.
Its strategy consists of various actions and targets such as reducing energy consumption, procuring electricity from certified renewable sources and aiming to send zero waste to landfill by the end of 2028.
Initiatives including half-hour smart meters, cellar and fridge management, garden pollination projects and better recycling policies are just some of the ways Punch is reducing its environmental impact.
The company’s Pineapples with Purpose working group implement specific work plans on commitments and targets.
Shepherd Neame
Brewer and pub operator Shepherd Neame has a number of environmental goals, which underscore its commitment to sustainability.
The Kent-based business has pledged to be net zero on carbon for direct emissions by 2030, net zero for scope 3 emissions no later than 2040 and zero waste to landfill by 2025.
There have been a number of investments as the company aims to achieve these goals such as electrical supply upgrades, fully electric kitchens at newly refurbished sites, cold cellar upgrades and waterless urinals.
It is also working towards achieving a Green Mark sustainability certification for its brewery, visitor centre and support office.
