Since 2020, Zero Carbon Forum members - now more than 70 of the UK’s leading brewing and hospitality businesses across 35,000 sites - have achieved results few industries can match:

• 52% reduction in energy emissions

• Annualised savings of 825,000 tonnes of CO₂e emissions saved each year - the equivalent of the annual footprint of cities such as Bath, Southampton or York

• 825,000 tonnes of CO₂e saved each year - the equivalent of the annual footprint of cities such as Bath, Southampton or York

• More than £5 million in recovered profits through identifying and eliminating wasted energy

Many operators are successfully cutting carbon and cutting costs. Energy efficiency is   an important lever  for margin protection.

Collaboration is the difference

The 5 Year Review highlights how the Forum’s collaborative model has accelerated progress beyond what any single business could achieve alone. What began with 22 founding members has grown into the UK’s largest hospitality and brewing decarbonisation network.

By sharing data, aligning with suppliers and creating industry-wide frameworks, members are tackling some of the hardest emissions challenges - including beef, dairy and waste - with solutions that work at scale. This means future reductions will come faster, cheaper and with far less risk for individual businesses.

A strategic tool for today’s leaders

With 2030 direct energy net zero targets approaching, the Review positions sustainability not as a burden but as a strategic advantage. Forum members are already benefiting from:

• Lower and more predictable energy costs

• Reduced exposure to regulatory and carbon risk

• Stronger brand trust with consumers and investors

• More resilient and efficient operations

In a volatile trading environment, this combination of cost control, risk reduction and reputation building is proving invaluable.

The roadmap for what comes next

The Zero Carbon Forum 5 Year Review - Net Zero: The Guide for the Brewing and Hospitality Sector is both a milestone and a launchpad. It shows what collective action has delivered - and how much more is now possible.

For senior hospitality leaders looking to future-proof their businesses while improving performance today, this is essential reading.

Read the full 5 Year Review here.