Sustainability Policy

At 360 Bia Óg, we are dedicated to creating a sustainable future by delivering nutritious, planet-friendly meals to schools across Ireland. Our goal is to reduce environmental impact while contributing to educational and community values. This policy outlines realistic, achievable steps designed for our business, covering sustainable sourcing, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and community engagement.

We prioritise sourcing local, responsibly farmed produce and proteins, integrating sustainable practices across our supply chain. Our approach ensures that our actions today build a better future for our children and community.
 

• Sustainable Farming: We engage with local suppliers who follow sustainable practices, such as regenerative agriculture and low-impact grazing. This ensures that all meat on our menu is responsibly sourced. For example, Kepak Group is a verified member of the Origin Green sustainability programme, showcasing their commitment to independently assessed environmental and sustainability standards. Additionally, Slaney Farms participates in the Origin Green initiative, focusing on sustainably grown potatoes and operating with a commitment to responsible environmental management​.As we continue to expand our network, we aim to partner with more suppliers who share these values.
  
  We collaborate with Irish farms such as K&K Produce, awarded Gold Membership in the Origin Green programme in 2021, highlighting their efforts to source produce sustainably year-round. We also work with farms such as McCormack Family Farms and Hickey’s Farm, both specialising in sustainable farming practices​.
  Seasonal vegetables like root crops (parsnips, carrots, etc.), kale, celery, and potatoes will play a central role in our menus, minimising environmental impact while supporting local agriculture.
   

• Sustainable Seafood: We will follow the Marine Conservation Society’s Good Fish Guide and use certifications such as MSC and ASC for sustainably sourced seafood​
  Marine Conservation Society
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  As we grow, we aim to expand our partnerships with more organic and sustainable farms across Ireland, ensuring a fully local, sustainable supply chain.

We aim to reduce our carbon footprint by focusing on energy-efficient practices, adopting sustainable technologies, and responsibly managing water usage.
 

• Energy Audit and Kitchen Efficiency: We are collaborating with SEAI to conduct a comprehensive energy audit of our new production unit. This audit will guide us in identifying key areas where we can optimise energy use, reduce consumption, and improve overall efficiency across our operations.

• Electric Delivery Fleet: Over the next three years, we will transition to electric vehicles (EVs) for our delivery services, starting with replacing 25% of our fleet in the first year.

• Water Conservation: We will install water-saving measures like low-flow taps and efficient dishwashers and explore rainwater harvesting for cleaning purposes.
   

As we expand our kitchen facilities, we aim to fully integrate renewable energy sources such as solar panels and further reduce water usage through advanced systems.

Please review.

We are innovating in reducing food waste and converting waste into energy.
 

• Food Waste to Energy: We are currently rolling out an initiative to ensure food waste from school meals is returned and converted into energy. This significantly reduces waste while contributing to renewable energy production.

• Composting Food Waste: We will start by composting 25-30% of our food waste in the first year, with the goal of increasing this as partnerships with local composting facilities expand.
  
  We aim to reach zero food waste in the long term by implementing advanced composting techniques and expanding partnerships with local waste management services.

Our sustainability goals depend on the commitment of both our team and suppliers to uphold sustainable practices.
 

• Employee Training and Accountability: In the first year, we will hold comprehensive sustainability training for all staff, focusing on sustainable practices and accountability. This will be followed by regular performance reviews to ensure sustainability goals are met.
   

• Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Our suppliers, verified by the Hygiene Excellence Sustainability Flow Analysis​, provide eco-friendly cleaning products that enhance our commitment to environmentally friendly operations.
   

• Sustainable Sourcing Standards: We will continue to partner with local suppliers who share our sustainability values, ensuring 90% of our supply chain meets these standards in the first year.

We are committed to engaging with the community and providing transparency around our environmental impact.

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• Interactive Digital Resources for Schools: We will provide fun, interactive digital resources for children and parents, focusing on sustainable farming, seasonal vegetables, and eco-friendly practices. These resources will inspire children to explore sustainability at home and show how today’s actions contribute to a better future.
   

• Digital Communication Platform: A digital platform for meal planning and communication with parents will be piloted in one school in the first year.
   

• Green Certifications: We will pursue green certifications, such as Origin Green and ISO standards, starting with one kitchen location in the first year.
   

• Carbon Footprint Tracking: We will implement carbon tracking to monitor emissions across delivery, kitchen operations, and sourcing. Our first-year goal is to establish a baseline for future reductions and provide an annual carbon report.
   

As we expand, we will increase our reporting capabilities to include broader community engagement initiatives and publish detailed annual reports on our sustainability progress.

This sustainability policy reflects our commitment to creating a sustainable future for both our business and the community we serve. We will regularly review and update our goals as we grow and adopt new technologies. Together, we aim to reduce our environmental footprint and provide a brighter future for the next generation.