Through upholding Western’s Sustainable Procurement program, our progress in responsible sourcing is outlined by three key pillars: prioritizing local partnerships, supporting sustainable fishing and enhancing operational efficiency.
Supporting Local
Whether it's local food providers or distributors, we routinely look to our community to source seasonal produce and environmentally responsible packaging. Out of our top 100 food suppliers, 32 are local to London or across Ontario. Our local distributors also ensure that all packaging materials are recyclable or compostable.
Sustainable Fishing
We are committed to sourcing seafood from Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Ocean Wise and Best Aquaculture Practices certified suppliers. In 2023, we purchased 13,155lbs of seafood from these organizations, accounting for 50% of all seafood purchases.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency
Our investment in high-efficiency equipment has led to substantial energy savings. For example, our Rational Combi ovens reduce energy consumption by over 28%, while our Turbo Chef ovens operate at energy costs as low as $2.08 to $5.66 per day. Our Energy Star rated dishwashers reduce water usage to just 0.48 gallons per rack during the final rinse.
Future Commitments
Expand fair-trade product selection
Advance sustainable seafood sourcing
Continue retrofitting cooking equipment
Electrify delivery vehicles
Transition to self-sustainable production