New Sustainability Guide to Empower Melbourne’s Hospitality Sector
Monash Arts researchers have launched a new resource, Sustainability Made Simple: A Guide for Hospitality Businesses, designed to help cafes and restaurants in Melbourne reduce their carbon footprint and improve waste management
Led by Dr Chamila Weerathunghe, Professor Peter Adey, and Dr Xiao Han, with assistance from Ms Xue Ruo Ng and Ms Natalia Candedo Lopez, the project translates academic research into practical, everyday actions for the hospitality industry.
The project stems from Dr Weerathunghe’s recently completed PhD research, which identified a critical need for accessible sustainability engagement within the local food sector. The team have collaborated with over a dozen local councils, including Darebin City Council, Glen Eira City Council, and Bayside City Council, as well as social enterprises and consultants in developing the guide.
Practical Solutions for Real-World Impact
The guide addresses the two largest environmental footprints for most hospitality businesses: carbon emissions and operational waste and highlights that what is good for the planet is also good for the bottom line.
Access the Guide
The "Sustainability Made Simple" resources are available as a full booklet and in condensed two-page versions suitable for e-newsletters.
While primarily aimed at metropolitan Melbourne, the team is already working to recontextualise the guide for regional Victorian businesses, with a new version expected within the next year.