GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sustainability In The Restaurant Industry Statistics

Consumers prioritize sustainability; restaurants grow eco-friendly, cut costs significantly.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

75% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable and eco-friendly menu options

Statistic 2

83% of global consumers want brands to be environmentally responsible, including restaurants

Statistic 3

Up to 70% of new restaurant concepts now incorporate sustainability as a core value

Statistic 4

60% of consumers consider sustainability when choosing a restaurant

Statistic 5

Restaurants that adopt green initiatives see an average of 12% increased customer loyalty

Statistic 6

45% of restaurant owners believe sustainability positively impacts their brand image

Statistic 7

65% of consumers prefer to dine at restaurants with green certifications

Statistic 8

55% of restaurants now offer plant-based options to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers

Statistic 9

58% of diners are more likely to return to a restaurant that actively promotes sustainability

Statistic 10

Implementing energy-efficient appliances can reduce a restaurant's energy usage by 20-30%

Statistic 11

Solar panels in restaurant rooftops can reduce energy costs by up to 50%

Statistic 12

35% of restaurants report that implementing sustainability initiatives has improved their operational efficiency

Statistic 13

Switching to LED lighting can save restaurants up to 75% on lighting energy costs

Statistic 14

Rainwater harvesting systems in restaurants can reduce water bills by 20-30%

Statistic 15

80% of food waste in restaurants is preventable with better inventory management and prep practices

Statistic 16

Energy savings from smart restaurant thermostats can reach 15-20%

Statistic 17

70% of restaurants report a cost benefit from implementing sustainability practices within the first year

Statistic 18

LED lighting retrofit investments have an average payback period of 2-3 years in restaurants

Statistic 19

Water footprint reduction initiatives can save restaurants up to 25% on total water bills

Statistic 20

The average energy consumption per restaurant can be reduced by 20-25% through efficiency measures, according to industry reports

Statistic 21

Waste diversion rates in sustainable restaurants can reach up to 90%

Statistic 22

Reusable and compostable materials are used in 60% of eco-friendly restaurants

Statistic 23

Food waste accounts for 8-10% of total global greenhouse gases

Statistic 24

50% of restaurant waste can be composted or recycled

Statistic 25

Sustainable sourcing practices in restaurants can reduce supply chain carbon footprints by up to 40%

Statistic 26

Construction and renovation with sustainable materials can reduce environmental impact by 40%

Statistic 27

Implementing water-saving fixtures can reduce water usage by 30-50%

Statistic 28

Restaurants focusing on local sourcing reduce carbon emissions associated with food transport by up to 50%

Statistic 29

Composting programs in restaurants can divert up to 70% of organic waste from landfills

Statistic 30

Using biodegradable takeaway containers can reduce plastic waste in restaurants by up to 50%

Statistic 31

The adoption of digital menus reduces paper waste and enhances sustainability, with 40% of restaurants going fully digital

Statistic 32

Rainforest Alliance and other certification programs guide restaurants to sustainable coffee sourcing, improving traceability and conservation efforts

Statistic 33

Organic waste composting programs can reduce landfill contributions by up to 65%

Statistic 34

Incorporating locally grown herbs reduces transportation emissions significantly compared to imported herbs

Statistic 35

Freshwater usage in food preparation accounts for nearly 50% of water use in restaurants, guiding focus for conservation efforts

Statistic 36

Sustainable restaurant certifications like LEED or Green Global Alliance are awarded to over 2000 restaurants worldwide, indicating rising industry commitment

Statistic 37

The food service industry accounts for approximately 22-33% of global greenhouse gas emissions

Statistic 38

Vegan and vegetarian menu options are becoming more common as part of sustainability initiatives, with a 30% increase in offerings since 2019

Statistic 39

The global sustainable seafood market size was valued at USD 19 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow significantly

Statistic 40

The global market for eco-friendly restaurant supplies and packaging is projected to reach USD 12 billion by 2025

Slide 1 of 40

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

75% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable and eco-friendly menu options
The food service industry accounts for approximately 22-33% of global greenhouse gas emissions
83% of global consumers want brands to be environmentally responsible, including restaurants
Up to 70% of new restaurant concepts now incorporate sustainability as a core value
Waste diversion rates in sustainable restaurants can reach up to 90%
Reusable and compostable materials are used in 60% of eco-friendly restaurants
Food waste accounts for 8-10% of total global greenhouse gases
Implementing energy-efficient appliances can reduce a restaurant's energy usage by 20-30%
50% of restaurant waste can be composted or recycled
The global sustainable seafood market size was valued at USD 19 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow significantly
Sustainable sourcing practices in restaurants can reduce supply chain carbon footprints by up to 40%
60% of consumers consider sustainability when choosing a restaurant
Restaurants that adopt green initiatives see an average of 12% increased customer loyalty

Did you know that 75% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable restaurant options, as the industry strives to slash its greenhouse gas emissions—making eco-friendly practices not only better for the planet but also a winning strategy for business growth?

Consumer Attitudes and Preferences

75% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable and eco-friendly menu options
83% of global consumers want brands to be environmentally responsible, including restaurants
Up to 70% of new restaurant concepts now incorporate sustainability as a core value
60% of consumers consider sustainability when choosing a restaurant
Restaurants that adopt green initiatives see an average of 12% increased customer loyalty
45% of restaurant owners believe sustainability positively impacts their brand image
65% of consumers prefer to dine at restaurants with green certifications
55% of restaurants now offer plant-based options to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers
58% of diners are more likely to return to a restaurant that actively promotes sustainability

Consumer Attitudes and Preferences Interpretation

In an industry where flavor still reigns supreme, it’s clear that sustainability is serving up not just a moral choice but a profitable recipe, with consumers increasingly demanding eco-friendly dining and restaurants that do so reaping the benefits of loyalty, brand prestige, and a competitive edge.

Cost Savings and Economic Benefits

Implementing energy-efficient appliances can reduce a restaurant's energy usage by 20-30%
Solar panels in restaurant rooftops can reduce energy costs by up to 50%
35% of restaurants report that implementing sustainability initiatives has improved their operational efficiency
Switching to LED lighting can save restaurants up to 75% on lighting energy costs
Rainwater harvesting systems in restaurants can reduce water bills by 20-30%
80% of food waste in restaurants is preventable with better inventory management and prep practices
Energy savings from smart restaurant thermostats can reach 15-20%
70% of restaurants report a cost benefit from implementing sustainability practices within the first year
LED lighting retrofit investments have an average payback period of 2-3 years in restaurants
Water footprint reduction initiatives can save restaurants up to 25% on total water bills
The average energy consumption per restaurant can be reduced by 20-25% through efficiency measures, according to industry reports

Cost Savings and Economic Benefits Interpretation

Embracing sustainability isn't just good for the planet—it's a savory recipe for cutting costs, boosting operational efficiency, and serving up a more resilient restaurant industry in the long run.

Environmental Sustainability Initiatives

Waste diversion rates in sustainable restaurants can reach up to 90%
Reusable and compostable materials are used in 60% of eco-friendly restaurants
Food waste accounts for 8-10% of total global greenhouse gases
50% of restaurant waste can be composted or recycled
Sustainable sourcing practices in restaurants can reduce supply chain carbon footprints by up to 40%
Construction and renovation with sustainable materials can reduce environmental impact by 40%
Implementing water-saving fixtures can reduce water usage by 30-50%
Restaurants focusing on local sourcing reduce carbon emissions associated with food transport by up to 50%
Composting programs in restaurants can divert up to 70% of organic waste from landfills
Using biodegradable takeaway containers can reduce plastic waste in restaurants by up to 50%
The adoption of digital menus reduces paper waste and enhances sustainability, with 40% of restaurants going fully digital
Rainforest Alliance and other certification programs guide restaurants to sustainable coffee sourcing, improving traceability and conservation efforts
Organic waste composting programs can reduce landfill contributions by up to 65%
Incorporating locally grown herbs reduces transportation emissions significantly compared to imported herbs
Freshwater usage in food preparation accounts for nearly 50% of water use in restaurants, guiding focus for conservation efforts
Sustainable restaurant certifications like LEED or Green Global Alliance are awarded to over 2000 restaurants worldwide, indicating rising industry commitment

Environmental Sustainability Initiatives Interpretation

With sustainability sweeping through the restaurant industry—from diverting up to 90% of waste and reducing water use by half to cutting supply chain emissions by 40%—it’s clear that the future of dining is not just about flavor, but fiercely fighting for the planet, one composted plate and recycled menu at a time.

Industry Practices and Trends

The food service industry accounts for approximately 22-33% of global greenhouse gas emissions
Vegan and vegetarian menu options are becoming more common as part of sustainability initiatives, with a 30% increase in offerings since 2019

Industry Practices and Trends Interpretation

As the restaurant industry’s greenhouse emissions rival those of whole nations, the rising menu of vegan and vegetarian options—up 30% since 2019—signals a flavorful shift towards sustainable dining that’s no longer just an option, but a necessity.

Market Growth and Certification

The global sustainable seafood market size was valued at USD 19 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow significantly
The global market for eco-friendly restaurant supplies and packaging is projected to reach USD 12 billion by 2025

Market Growth and Certification Interpretation

As the world's oceans and dining tables increasingly align in sustainability, the booming USD 19 billion seafood market and USD 12 billion eco-friendly supplies sector signal that going green in restaurants isn't just good ethics—it's a profitable trend with a future as vast as the oceans themselves.