Practicing sustainability has been perceived as expensive for businesses. It requires additional costs such as investment in green equipment, extra labor hours, maintenance, training expenses, and more. However, being environment-friendly also has benefits in the form of savings, and cost reductions in maintenance and operating expenses in the succeeding years. In addition, these practices can also benefit their respective communities and the whole country. The Sustainable Diner recognizes the importance of achieving the triple bottom line--people, planet, and profit. To determine and compare the costs and benefits of integrating sustainability practices into the business operations of food service establishments, WWF Philippines’ The Sustainable Diner conducted a Cost-Benefit (CB) Study and created a Cost-Benefit Monitoring Tool.

Cost-Benefit Study of Integrating Sustainable Consumption and Production into Business Operations of Food Service Establishments

Sustainable consumption and production (SCP), in simplified terms, is doing more and better with less. This study conducted by Wallace Business Forum performed an expanded cost-benefit analysis in two (2) layers: (a) from the viewpoint of the food service establishments, and (b) from the standpoint of society. The analysis focused on 10 SCP practices in four (4) areas--Energy, Water, Waste and Sourcing. The results of the e-CBA determined that eight (8) out of the 10 SCP practices are financially beneficial or generate financial gains to restaurants while nine (9) SCP practices were ascertained to be economically beneficial or positively benefits society.

Save up to millions per year by practicing sustainability! Ready the full study to learn more.

The Sustainable Diner Cost-Benefit Monitoring Tool

The Sustainable Diner Project is a staunch believer of equipping stakeholders to participate and engage to be able to achieve real change. In order to help food service establishments independently determine the sustainable practices fit for their operations, a cost-benefit monitoring tool was developed. This tool enables the management to determine the actual costs and benefits of their existing operations and compare them to their sustainability investments.

Download the monitoring tool and feel free to access this user manual and training video which serves as a guide in using this monitoring tool.

Sustainability has been misconstrued as costly because we only see the expenses at face value. In the long run, practicing sustainability benefits not only the planet and our society but also our pockets. However, we must realize the delicate relationship of people, planet and profit. If our one and only planet is threatened and consequently, humanity’s survival is at risk, profits would be rendered useless. We must know our real priority and act now before it is too late.