OPINION
Doing the right thing at scale
Levy CEO Jon Davies outlines how the sports and entertainment hospitality provider is taking major steps to minimise its carbon footprint , including engaging Earthshot Prize-winning sustainable packaging supplier Notpla to provide seaweed-based food packaging
At Levy , we have long lived by the value of treating the planet and our people with fairness and respect . We genuinely believe that we can make real changes at scale within our business that can demonstrate a way forward for the hospitality industry to decarbonise and focus on the planet ’ s health without compromising the fan experience . With our key business taking place in many of Europe ’ s major music , sport , and entertainment venues , it ’ s our responsibility to work with our partners , and suppliers , to educate , implement , and embed long-term interventions that will have a lasting impact .
The food industry contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions , accounting for a staggering 26 % of global greenhouse gas emissions . However , by
Notpla ’ s seaweed-based packaging making simple dietary shifts , such as eating more plant-based , plant-forward , and seasonal foods , we could reduce these emissions by half . Our focus on emission reduction , health , and nature has guided
“ THE FOOD INDUSTRY ACCOUNTS FOR A STAGGERING 26 % OF GLOBAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS .”
our approach to implementing changes at our partner venues , ensuring a positive impact without compromising the consumer experience .
One such initiative is the development of our signature burger . By working closely with our culinary teams and butchers , we reduced the meat content by 50 % and incorporated nutritious ingredients like kale , beans , and mushrooms . With over 1.5 million burgers served annually , this small change has a positive impact by reducing the carbon intensity and improving the nutritional value of our burgers . We also champion other
Jon Davies
sustainable ‘ hero ’ ingredients such as wild venison , rope-grown mussels and seaweed .
Another key area of focus , and one of our biggest successes has been strengthening our relationship with suppliers . I have personally visited more than 20 suppliers over the past three years and gained valuable insights into their sustainability practices and identified opportunities for collaboration . One such partnership is with Earthshot Prize winner , Notpla , a company that produces 100 % plastic-free , seaweedbased biodegradable food packaging . By adopting this innovative solution , we aim to migrate 75 million items over the next three years , significantly reducing our reliance on single-use plastics .
Levy is committed to a sustainable future and will publish our first Climate Action Plan in 2025 . However , we believe in taking action now , rather than waiting for a formal plan . We ’ ve already made significant strides in reducing our environmental impact and improving the sustainability of our operations .
By working together , we can create a more sustainable future for our planet and our people . accessaa . co . uk 17