Bartlett Mitchell wins three-star SRA rating for Ofgem site

Bartlett Mitchell has become the first contract caterer to achieve the top three-star Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) rating for one of its operations.

The foodservice company's operation at the central London headquarters of Ofgem, the electricity and gas regulator, achieved the accolade after a joint effort that recognised Bartlett Mitchell's sustainability achievements at the catering operation and Ofgem's own approach to how they manage their business.

Bartlett Mitchell achieved its own two-star SRA rating as a company earlier this year.

Sally Grimes, quality mentor for Bartlett Mitchell said: "To be successful, an assessment at unit level has to really be a partnership exercise with your client. Contractors only control certain elements of the outlet they operate because the premises are not their own. Thankfully, in Ofgem, we have a client who is equally keen to build their sustainability credentials and reduce their environmental impact, so they were as willing to adapt systems and methods as we were.

"In particular, the SRA was impressed with the herb gardens that have been planted, the e-cubes on refrigeration equipment to monitor and reduce energy use, and the recent introduction of completely eco-friendly cleaning materials."

Wendy Bartlett, managing director of Bartlett Mitchell, added: "It's great to see all the hard work and commitment from the Bartlett Mitchell team and Ofgem come together in this award, and the fact that we are the first contract catering site to achieve the top level of SRA accreditation adds to the excitement."

Mark Linehan, managing director of the SRA, said: "Consumers tell us that they want to their meal to be sustainable, wherever they eat it. Bartlett Mitchell is leading a growing group of caterers to recognise this demand and respond to it positively and effectively - for which we congratulate them."