Emissions Reduction Toolkit

Install High-efficiency Restaurant Equipment

What Is It?

ENERGY STAR-labeled and high-efficiency restaurant equipment are designed and approved to use less water and energy than other equipment. Refrigerators, ice machines, fryers, and dishwashers are a few of the ENERGY STAR-labeled appliances available.

In addition to saving energy through smart appliance upgrading and use, managing food waste is an incredibly important part of having a environmentally-friendly restaurant. The United Nations found that if food waste were a country, it would rank third behind the US and China in greenhouse gas emissions (UN FAO). For more information, see the Waste category in this toolkit.

Benefits

ENERGY STAR-labeled products use less energy than conventional appliances and therefore cost less to operate, lowering utility bills and reducing demand on the energy grid. ENERGY STAR-labeled restaurant equipment typically uses about a third of the energy of conventional models without sacrificing features, style, or performance. “Green” restaurants are also very marketable, and may draw business from socially- and environmentally-conscious potential customers.

Financing Options, Incentives, and Rebates

• Mass Save: Business Rebates
• Mass Save: Food Service Equipment Rebate
• GasNetworks: Commercial Rebates, including Kitchen Equipment Rebates
• National Grid: Rebates Database

NEWS

• “Efficient equipment is the key to big savings,” National Restaurant Association, Dec. 15, 2016

Resources

• ENERGY STAR:
  • ENERGY STAR for Small Business: Restaurants
  • ENERGY STAR® Guide for Cafés, Restaurants, and Institutional Kitchens
  • Energy Use and Energy Efficiency Opportunities in Restaurants
  • Commercial Kitchen Equipment Energy Savings Fact Sheet
  • Commercial Foodservice Equipment page
  • For Commercial Kitchens: Helping Customers Manage Costs Through Energy Savings
• Sustainable Foodservice Consulting: Efficient Commercial Kitchen Equipment
• BusinessUSA: Energy Saving Calculators from ENERGY STAR
• National Restaurant Association: Conserve Program
• Green Restaurant Association: Guide to GRA-endorsed products
• US DOE: Kitchen Appliance saving tips
• ENERGY STAR: case studies
• See also:
  • Install VFDs or Outside-air Economizers on Refrigerators/Freezers
  • Install Efficient Dishwashers and Use Responsibly

A Sample of Providers

• ENERGY STAR:
  • Purchasing energy-efficient products
  • Commercial Food Service Equipment

PROJECT EXAMPLES

• Mezza Luna restaurant in Cape Cod, MA, rebuilt their building after a fire, purchasing the most energy-efficient equipment possible