VICTORIA, BC, July 16,
2024 /CNW/ - Pendray Inn and Tea House, a boutique establishment known for
its historic charm, daily breakfast offerings, and traditional
afternoon tea service, is proud to announce its historic
achievement as the first restaurant in Canada to be certified by The PLEDGE on Food
Waste. With an impressive score of 93%, Pendray Tea House has
earned the Gold Level certification, highlighting its commitment to
sustainability and reducing food waste.
The PLEDGE on Food Waste is a globally recognized, third-party
audited certification and benchmarking system designed to fight
food waste, reduce costs, and nurture the local ecosystem of
solution providers. The PLEDGE offers a comprehensive methodology
for food waste prevention based on seven pillars and 95 criteria.
This holistic approach aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals
2, 12, 13, and 17 and corresponds with the EPA's Wasted Food Scale,
which prioritizes actions to prevent and divert food waste from
disposal.
The journey toward certification began in January and concluded
successfully in June, with a dedicated committee formed to steer
the project. Collaborating with BetterTable.ca, a Vancouver-based company specializing in
helping hotels and restaurants prevent food waste to achieve a
triple bottom line, Pendray Tea House developed and implemented
effective strategies to meet The PLEDGE on Food Waste
standards.
Throughout the certification process, the team at Pendray Tea
House experienced a significant learning curve and adopted several
best practices to achieve its food waste reduction goals. These
included categorizing food waste measurements, maintaining
meticulous tracking systems, developing an action plan with
measurable goals, benchmarking progress, and providing
comprehensive team training. Chef Onille Pitogo's creativity also
played a crucial role in repurposing prep waste into new culinary
items, such as the Sustainable Chocolate Cashew Delight.
The journey was not without its challenges. Establishing new
procedures and systems required significant effort, but the rewards
have been substantial. In January, the average food waste per cover
at Pendray Tea House was 83 grams, already well below the national
average of 388 grams per cover. By May, this figure had decreased
to 60.5 grams per cover, a remarkable 27% reduction. This
improvement translated to an estimated $550 in savings for the month of May alone.
General Manager Erin Cassels
expressed great satisfaction in the team's achievement, stating, "I
have immense pride in our team's hard work and dedication as we
celebrate becoming the first restaurant in Canada to achieve The PLEDGE on Food Waste
certification. This milestone reflects our commitment to
sustainability and a brighter future for our planet. Our values
align with the eco-friendly ethos of Destination Greater Victoria,
who continue to set a high standard for a circular tourism economy
within our community. We look forward to continuing our company's
overarching mission to incorporate environmental stewardship and
sustainable hospitality practices within our business model."
The benefits of Pendray Tea House's efforts extend beyond
immediate cost savings. The reduction of food waste contributes to
environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic
efficiency. In an era of climate change and uncertainty, Pendray
Tea House is committed to making a positive impact and inspiring
others to follow suit. The restaurant is honoured to lead by
example as Canada's first
PLEDGE-certified restaurant.
About Pendray Tea House:
Pendray Inn and Tea House, built
in 1896, offers a quintessentially Victorian experience with 10
refurbished suites that blend modern comfort with historic charm,
providing a premium bed and breakfast experience. Renowned for its
exquisite traditional afternoon tea, Pendray also offers daily
breakfast and serves as an ideal venue for receptions and social
events, enhancing every gathering with its historic elegance. As a
Biosphere, 4 Green-Keys and BC Green Business certified property,
Pendray Inn and Tea House is
dedicated to sustainability, prioritizing environmental stewardship
and community well-being while delivering an exquisite guest
experience.
For more information on Pendray Tea House's sustainability
initiatives and The PLEDGE on Food Waste certification, please
visit our website.
SOURCE Huntingdon Hotel and Suites & Pendray Inn and
Tea House