ABOUT US
The story and team helping the food and drink industry reach net zero.
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We launched in 2011 with one mission: to create industry-led solutions to help solve climate change.
Founded using our original company name, Carbon Statement, we were inspired by the simplicity of bank statements to help people budget. In the early days, we produced carbon statements to help businesses measure and reduce their carbon emissions by demonstrating to them the financial benefits of taking action to cut carbon.
Our focus was simple – making businesses better by cutting carbon, complying with regulations, and doing the right thing.
Our roots in food and drink trace back to our first clients, and their number grew rapidly and soon we could focus on this sector alone. By working across the sector, we’ve become experts in driving change across it.
Our founding purpose hasn’t changed, and our pragmatic approach remains central to everything we do.
THE ORIGINS OF THE ZERO CARBON FORUM
As our ambition levels and those of the hospitality industry grew, we recognised the need for collective action and collaboration to help solve some of the hardest climate challenges.
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The leaders in the industry were making great strides in tackling their emissions in Scopes 1 and 2 but wanted to understand how others were dealing with some of the more challenging emissions.
In response, we created the Hospitality Carbon Reduction Forum, a platform for operators to share best practices and set benchmarks for energy, water, and waste reduction.
Recognising the need to tackle the wider supply chain, we evolved further. In 2018, the idea for an industry-led, non-profit initiative was born. With the support of Mike Barry (ex-Marks and Spencer), a cohort of CEOs and supported by UKH and BBPA, we developed a comprehensive roadmap for the industry to achieve net zero.
In November 2020, despite the challenges of COVID-19, we secured the commitment and funding of 22 founding companies, for the launch of the roadmap.
At the same time, the Hospitality Carbon Reduction Forum became the non-profit Zero Carbon Forum, and we rebranded Carbon Statement to become Zero Carbon Services. This remains our climate tech and consultancy company that provides net zero services and solutions that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each business.
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The leaders in the industry were making great strides in tackling their emissions in Scopes 1 and 2 but wanted to understand how others were dealing with some of the more challenging emissions.
In response, we created the Hospitality Carbon Reduction Forum, a platform for operators to share best practices and set benchmarks for energy, water, and waste reduction.
Recognising the need to tackle the wider supply chain, we evolved further. In 2018, the idea for an industry-led, non-profit initiative was born. With the support of Mike Barry (ex-Marks and Spencer), a cohort of CEOs and supported by UKH and BBPA, we developed a comprehensive roadmap for the industry to achieve net zero.
In November 2020, despite the challenges of COVID-19, we secured the commitment and funding of 22 founding companies, for the launch of the roadmap.
At the same time, the Hospitality Carbon Reduction Forum became the non-profit Zero Carbon Forum, and we rebranded Carbon Statement to become Zero Carbon Services. This remains our climate tech and consultancy company that provides net zero services and solutions that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each business.
Together, the Zero Carbon Forum and Zero Carbon Services are the Zero Carbon Company.
We provide everything food and drink companies need to accelerate their carbon reduction journey, from individual action plans and detailed measurements to industry-changing collaborative solutions. We work with companies to build a resilient, sustainable business so that food and drink are celebrated and enjoyed for years to come.
WHERE WE ARE NOW
The Forum now represents 1/3 of the UK hospitality and brewing sector across 35,000 locations. With 85% of the UK’s large enterprise operators on board alongside a range of small and medium businesses passionate about building resilient businesses, we’re implementing industry-wide net zero plans.
We’re leveraging AI in our data platforms to make it easier for companies to find the insights they need to accelerate action, address supply chain challenges, and drive systems change through collective influence.
WHAT’S NEXT
We’re expanding into new sectors like hotels, experiential leisure, and cinemas, and exploring opportunities in Europe and the US.
By investing into cutting-edge technology and collective expertise, we aim to make sustainability accessible and actionable for all.
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“We’re proud of the people driving this change - their dedication, collaboration, and care for the planet and each other. Together, we’re proving that businesses can lead the way in solving the climate crisis while becoming stronger and more resilient.”
Mark Chapman, Founder and CEO
OUR PEOPLE
We’re passionate about reducing carbon emissions across the sector and our team comprises of people who are too. We are now a 20-person team of experienced sustainability specialists, tech experts, ex-operators and innovators, dedicated to driving meaningful change.
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CONSULTANTS AND ADVISORS
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Mike Barry
Strategic Advisor, Mike Barry Eco Ltd
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Mark McGinn
Director, Edelman
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Kate Nicholls
CEO, UK Hospitality
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Emma McClarkin
CEO, BBPA
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Tim Doubleday
CFO, Burger King UK
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Colin Hill
Global Sustainability Lead, Nando's
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Andy Hornby
CEO, The Restaurant Group
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Mark Rider
CFO, Shepherd Neame
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Mike Berners-Lee
Director, Small World Consulting
OUR MISSION
To solve the climate crisis by designing and implementing plans to zero carbon for the food and drink industry and every company in it.
OUR VALUES
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IMPACT
Everything we do will work towards net zero.
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EXPERTISE
We know our subject and are considered trusted experts.
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TOGETHER
We work with clients to educate and deliver results that help everyone.
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VALUE
We want to create value for clients, society and ZCC.
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FUN
It’s a serious subject so we need to have fun along the way.
SUPPORTED BY
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UKH is the leading trade body for hospitality. Representing over 100,000 venues, they use their collective voice to champion positive change for the industry.
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BBPA are the UK's leading trade association representing pubs and breweries. Their members brew over 90% of British beer and own over 20,000 pubs.
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Sky Zero is an approach to tackling climate change, encompassing both internal efforts to reduce emissions at Sky and external initiatives to inspire positive change.
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The Brewers' Company supports the brewing industry through events and grant-making activities, and acting as Trustee to a major scientific research and education grants fund.