Sustainability Practices

Water Conservation

Capture Rainwater

We capture rainwater

A. Yes

Avoid Hosing Indoor/Outdoor Areas

We avoid hosing indoor and outdoor areas. Instead, we use dry cleaning methods followed by a damp mopping

A. Yes

Water System Leak Checks

We regularly check for and repair leaks in our water system

A. Yes

Precautions to Prevent Wastewater Contaminants

We take necessary precautions to prevent wastewater contaminants produced during exterior cleaning/pressure washing or cleaning of floor mats, trash cans, or equipment from entering storm drains

A. Yes

Faucet Turn Off

We turn off all faucets when not in use

A. Yes

Thaw Frozen Foods in Refrigerator

We thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator (not with running water)

A. Yes

Water Usage Tracking

We track the amount of water our restaurant uses and our progress on water conservation

A. Yes

Energy Efficiency

Energy Usage Tracking

We track the amount of energy our restaurant consumes and our progress on energy efficiency

A. Yes

HVAC Inspected Annually

We have our HVAC inspected annually to ensure it is in proper working condition and operating efficiently

A. Yes

Programmable Thermostat

We use a programmable thermostat (continuously programmed to heat at 68 degrees and cool at 74 degrees during operating hours and 85 to cool/62 to heat during non-operating hours)

A. Yes

Weatherproofing Windows/Doors

We have addressed the energy efficiency of our windows and/or doors (through weatherproofing or energy-efficient windows and/or doors)

A. Yes

Energy Star Policy

We have a policy that we only purchase Energy Star equipment or appliances when available

A. Yes

Energy-Efficient Lighting

We have upgraded to energy efficient lighting (T8 or T5 flourescents, LED, CFL)

A. Yes

Non-operating Hours Lighting

We turn off non-emergency indoor lights during non-operating hours

A. Yes

Occupancy Sensors/Timers

We use occupancy sensors/ timers to automatically turn off lights in unoccupied spaces or turn off lights in areas not being used

A. Yes

Hot Water Heater Temperature

We maintain the temperature of our hot water heater at 140 degrees or at the lowest temperature consistent with our sanitizing system

A. Yes

Electronics Shutdowns at COB

We turn off all electronic equipment at the end of business or place them in energy saving mode

A. Yes

Kitchen Equipment Idle Power Downs

We power down the kitchen equipment during slow, idle times

A. Yes

Clean Refrigerator Coils

We regularly clean evaporator and condenser coils on refrigerators (every 3 months)

A. Yes

Natural Cooling

We use natural cooling in place of air conditioning, when acceptable

A. Yes

Insulated Refrigeration Lines

We have insulated all refrigeration cold suction lines

A. Yes

Daylight Sensors

We use daylight sensors or adjust our indoor lighting based on natural sunlight available

A. Yes

People

Merit-based Raises

We give raises based on employee performance and responsibility

A. Yes

Responsible Food Choice Opportunities

We participate in cooking classes, farmer events, or provide educational opportunities to promote responsible food choices, culinary skills, food sourcing, meal planning, health and wellness, or other educational purposes

A. Yes

Employee Wages Exceed Industry Standard

We exceed the industry standard for FOH and BOH employee wages (over the current minimum wage rate) or have instituted an alternative pay system structure compared to traditional industry methods

A. Yes

Independent/Locally-owned

Our restaurant is independently owned by someone who lives within local region

A. Yes

Offer Staff Training

We offer our staff training to further enhance career development

A. Yes

Emergency Rides for Employees

We provide emergency rides for employees

A. Yes

Community Partner/Fundraiser/Donater

We partner, fundraise, or donate to a local community organization, community members, or cause

A. Yes

Meal Program Participation

We participate in a planned, prepared, budgeted meal program to assist in food donations

A. Yes

Local Resident Employment Opportunities

We provide employment opportunities for residents of the local community

A. Yes

Children in Underserved Communities Food Provision

We provide children in underserved communities access to fresh, healthy food in order to supplement meals outside of regular school hours or during the standard school year

A. Yes

Secure Location to Store Bicycles

There is a secure location to store bicycles at or near our restaurant

A. Yes

Employees Volunteer

Our employees participate in volunteer activities

A. Yes

Employee Health & Wellness

We positively contribute to employee health and wellness through incentives or programs offered (i.e. gym membership discounts, yoga classes, sports league, etc.)

A. Yes

Non-working Time Between Shifts

We provide employees with at least 11 hours of non-working time between shifts

A. Yes

Day Off for Consecutive Work

We provide our employees at least one day off for every five days worked consecutively

A. Yes

Employee Cross-training

We cross-train employees across different floor and kitchen positions

A. Yes

Front/Back of House Positions

We provide employees with the ability to move between front and back of house positions

A. Yes

Diverse/Inclusive Work Environment

We work hard to ensure a diverse and inclusive work environment

A. Yes

Employee Discounts

We provide discounts for our employees at our restaurant

A. Yes

Employee Bonuses

We provide bonuses or incentives for employee performance

A. Yes

Responsible Sourcing

Source Products from Regional Third Party

We source products from a regionally-based third party supplier

A. Yes

Seasonal Menus

We rotate menu items based on seasonality

A. Yes

Purchase from Local Farmer's Market

We purchase items at the local Farmer's Market

A. Yes

Cooperative Purchasing

Our restaurant participates in product-sharing (cooperative purchasing) with other restaurants for supplies not needed in large quantities

A. Yes

Hyperlocal Sourcing

We participate in hyperlocal sourcing (restaurant gardens, apiary on-site, or sourcing products from within the local community/zip code)

A. Yes

Pickle/Preserve Foods

We can, pickle, or preserve foods

A. Yes

Make Select Items In-house

We make at least one of the following items in-house: salad dressings, condiments, sauces, jams, jellies, juices, soups, broths, stock, chutneys, syrups, salsas

A. Yes

Produce Sourcing

When in season, our produce is sourced:

B. 16-30%: (Regionally) From within a 400 mile radius

Products/Ingredients from Local Businesses

We derive some products from local businesses (i.e. cheese, milk, coffee, baked goods, beer, wine, spirits, invasive species, raw baking materials) or buy some ingredients regionally (i.e. flour, grains, beans)

A. Yes

Refurbished/Remanufactured Furniture

We use furniture that has been refurbished, remanufactured, or is previously used

A. Yes

Refurbished Appliances

When Energy Star or energy efficient equipment is not available or attainable, we make it a priority to purchase refurbished appliances or equipment

A. Yes

General

SPR Designation Pledge

We will/we pledge to display our Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant designation on our website, menu, and/or marketing materials

A. Yes

SPR Decal Pledge

We will/we pledge to post the Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant decal in a place visible to restaurant guests

A. Yes

Sustainability Training for Employees

We provide sustainability-related training and information to all new and existing employees

A. Yes

Sustainable Action Updates

We include updates on our sustainable actions within staff meetings

A. Yes

Waste Reduction

Recycled Items List (All)

We recycle all of the following materials: paper, glass, plastic, cardboard, and aluminum

A. Yes

Bulk Purchases

We buy at least one of the following products in bulk - no individually wrapped/portioned items: straws, to-go cutlery, or condiments used for in-house orders

A. Yes

Eliminated Straws

We have eliminated straws from guest use or instilled an "offer first" approach with straws

A. Yes

Sell/Donate Used Cooking Oil

We sell or donate our used cooking oil

A. Yes

Recycled Items List (Some) II

We recycle/donate for reuse some of the following small materials/items: polystyrene/Styrofoam, light bulbs, batteries, aerosol cans, paint, computer systems, hardware, light fixtures, ink and toner cartridges

A. Yes

Root-to-stem/Nose-to-tail

We practice "root-to-stem" or "nose-to-tail" cooking

A. Yes

Specials/Menu on Chalkboard

We post our daily specials or menu on a chalkboard/whiteboard as opposed to printing

A. Yes

Post-Consumer Recycled Polystyrene

We purchase polystyrene foam or Sytrofoam containers (boxes and cups) that are made with post consumer recycled polystyrene

A. Yes

Purchase Recycled Paper Products

We purchase paper products and/or containers made from recycled content

A. Yes

Multi-use Dishware

We serve dine-in food and beverages with multi-use rather than disposable dishware (plates, cups, utensils, ramekins, etc.)

A. Yes

Encourage Guests to Use Own Containers

We encourage guests to bring in their own reusable bags, coffee mugs, or containers to package their unconsumed food

A. Yes

Nutrition

Half Portions

half portions of select menu items or small plates (tapas)

A. Yes

Vegetarian/Vegan Fare

vegetarian/vegan fare

A. Yes

Healthier Menu Items/Side Dishes

menu items or side dishes marketed as healthier, lower calorie options than our traditional menu choices

A. Yes

Entrees Served with Fruits/Veggies

entrée items served with fruits and/or vegetables

A. Yes

Allergen-Free Options

allergen-free options

A. Yes

Ancient Grains

ancient grains (barley, farro, quinoa, polenta, amaranth, spelt, kamut, chia, sorghum, freekeh, teff, millet)

A. Yes

Healthful, Plant Based Oils

We use healthful, plant based oils for cooking and baking (containing predominantly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats - no trans-fat oils)

A. Yes