Checklist

Sustainability quick wins: waste, energy & sourcing checklist

Interactive operational checklist and pilot planner that helps teams pick 2–3 pragmatic, cost-aware sustainability improvements, record estimated costs and savings, define success checks, and save pilot plans for follow-up and measurement.

Interactive Tool

Sustainability quick wins — Pilot checklist

Quick wins checklist — waste, energy & sourcing

Use this interactive checklist to capture pragmatic, cost-aware sustainability improvements you can test and scale. Pick 2–3 highest-impact, lowest-effort items to pilot, record cost and expected savings, assign an owner, and define a simple acceptance check so changes protect margins and don’t create extra staff confusion. Run short pilots (30–90 days), collect results, then decide whether to scale.

How to use

  • Choose up to three items to pilot using the selection field below or fill pilot slots directly.
  • Record estimated cost and annual savings so you can calculate payback.
  • Agree on owner and a clear success metric (example: reduce energy use by X% or divert Y lbs/week).
  • Run the pilot for a short, measurable period (30–90 days), collect results, then decide whether to scale.

Items (short descriptions)

  • LED lighting retrofit — Replace inefficient bulbs and add task lighting. Typical payback 1–3 years; saves 20–50% of lighting energy.
  • Programmable / smart thermostats — Set setbacks and zone controls; saves ~5–15% depending on current controls.
  • Portion controls & standard plating — Use scoops, ladles, and plating specs to reduce over-portioning and remakes.
  • Composting pilot (kitchen/food scraps) — Start small with one bin and local composter; track lbs diverted.
  • Supplier packaging reduction requests — Ask top suppliers for reduced or returnable packaging and consolidated deliveries.
  • Tray-free / condiments-on-request strategies — Reduce single-use disposables by moving to request-only distribution.
  • Energy baseline measurement — Establish monthly kWh, peak demand, and approximate splits for lighting, refrigeration, HVAC.
  • Quick-win ROI checklist — Estimate purchase/install cost, annual savings, and payback months to prioritize pilots.

ROI reminder

Payback months = Estimated cost / (Estimated annual savings / 12). Focus on short payback and strategic benefits (guest appeal, regulatory readiness).

Check items you are considering piloting this month. This helps create a quick snapshot of team priorities.
Choose the item you will run as Pilot 1.
Describe the pilot if you selected Other.
Who is responsible for running the pilot and reporting results?
Use YYYY-MM-DD or a short descriptor (e.g., Week of May 10).
One-time or startup costs in whole dollars.
Best estimate of yearly savings in whole dollars.
Example: % energy reduction, lbs diverted/week, $ saved/month.
Define the simple acceptance condition you will use to decide whether to scale.
Use for payback math, suppliers, or operational considerations.
Choose the item you will run as Pilot 2.
Describe the pilot if you selected Other.
Who is responsible for running the pilot and reporting results?
Use YYYY-MM-DD or a short descriptor.
One-time or startup costs in whole dollars.
Best estimate of yearly savings in whole dollars.
Example: % energy reduction, lbs diverted/week, $ saved/month.
Define the simple acceptance condition you will use to decide whether to scale.
Use for payback math, suppliers, or operational considerations.
Choose the item you will run as Pilot 3.
Describe the pilot if you selected Other.
Who is responsible for running the pilot and reporting results?
Use YYYY-MM-DD or a short descriptor.
One-time or startup costs in whole dollars.
Best estimate of yearly savings in whole dollars.
Example: % energy reduction, lbs diverted/week, $ saved/month.
Define the simple acceptance condition you will use to decide whether to scale.
Use for payback math, suppliers, or operational considerations.
If no, consider using the Energy baseline measurement item as Pilot 1.
Capture qualitative notes from staff, vendor contacts, or immediate observations.
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