Highlights
- The first fish and chip shop to sell Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified haddock (all staff receive MSC training to ensure they can understand and convey information relating to sustainability to customers)
- Sourcing local produce to try and reduce food miles where possible
- Investing in products that are energy efficient
- Buying 100% renewable energy from Good Energy
- Recycling and composting all waste, and ensuring used oil is collected for use in biodiesel
- Using compostable packaging
- Offering a cycle-to-work scheme
- Using the Enjo chemical-free cleaning system and Ecover washing powder only
- Entering environmental award schemes
- Promoting sustainability through a wide range of media, including its website, social media and press articles
- Taking on a role with Fish Fryers Association to lead sustainability
- Undertaking a carbon footprint assessment with the assistance of the Small Business Investment Company and the Carbon Trust.
The Bay Fish and Chips is located in Stonehaven, and owned and run by Calum Richardson. The business employs six full-time staff and, on average, six seasonal workers. In the past, it has won a special award from the Sustainable Restaurant Association for effort in environmental awareness.
The judges were impressed that the shop and its owner are clearly committed to, and enthusiastic about, ensuring that sustainability is at the heart of the shop’s ethos. This commitment was demonstrated clearly to the judges by the fact the business is:
- The first fish and chip shop to sell Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified haddock (all staff receive MSC training to ensure they can understand and convey information relating to sustainability to customers)
- Sourcing local produce to try and reduce food miles where possible
- Investing in products that are energy efficient
- Buying 100% renewable energy from Good Energy
- Recycling and composting all waste, and ensuring used oil is collected for use in biodiesel
- Using compostable packaging
- Offering a cycle-to-work scheme
- Using the Enjo chemical-free cleaning system and Ecover washing powder only
- Entering environmental award schemes
- Promoting sustainability through a wide range of media, including its website, social media and press articles
- Taking on a role with Fish Fryers Association to lead sustainability
- Undertaking a carbon footprint assessment with the assistance of the Small Business Investment Company and the Carbon Trust.
The Bay Fish and Chips is involved in local, national and international charities, competitions and sector associations. The judges were impressed that the owner is forward-thinking and is making use of smartphone technology to inform customers further about sustainability. Smart menu boards are used to advise customers of which boats have supplied the fish.
However, the business lacks quantifiable environmental and economic data relating to sustainability to perform a ‘before and after’ assessment of savings. Therefore, the VIBES judges have suggested that the Bay Fish and Chips get in touch with the Green Business Partnership, who can help Scottish business to reduce their energy and water consumption, and waste generation, resulting in cost savings and a greener company image.