Planet Positive is delighted to announce that the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) has achieved International Certification for their sustainability efforts.

The SRA is a not for profit organisation launched in 2010. It works with more than 100 restaurants of all types across the UK to help them improve their sustainability and provides diners with the information they need to find a restaurant that matches their values.

The SRA are continuing to further their excellent work in sustainability by committing to lower their carbon and energy consumption through Planet Positive.

A reduction plan has been created following the measurement of the SRA’s energy data, taking into account factors such as the number of employees at the company and locations of the business.

Achieving Planet Positive certification is an international recognition of the highest sustainability standards. Using the internationally recognised Planet Positive Protocol methodology, the SRA carbon footprint during July 2011 to June 2012 was calculated at 9.59 t/CO2e.

The SRA is committed to reducing emissions by 5% on an annual basis; this is 0.48 tonnes of CO2 or 0.08 tonnes of CO2e per employee.

As part of the Planet Positive certification, the SRA has invested in Link Community Development, helping to purchase solar panels for rural schools in Africa which lead to improvements in education and opportunities to teach pupils about sustainability.

Mark Linehan, Managing Director of the Sustainable Restaurant Association said: “As an organisation that encourages and helps restaurants to behave in a socially and environmentally responsible way, it is gratifying and encouraging to discover that we are practising what we preach.

“In the same way that the SRA’s Sustainability rating for restaurants provides a baseline upon which operators can improve, the Planet Positive Certification has given us the information and inspiration to do more in the years ahead.”

Steve Malkin, CEO of Planet Positive said: “The SRA’s pledge to reducing their carbon emissions sets an excellent example to other businesses that sustainability needs to be more than just a buzzword, it should be an essential part of their culture. We are proud to certify the SRA and support their ongoing commitment, and fantastic work to a sustainable world.”