According to Energy Star, commercial kitchens use approximately 250,000 Btu/sq.ft, two and a half times more energy per square foot than commercial buildings without kitchens. As much as 80 percent of the $10 billion annual energy bill for commercial kitchens is wasted due to inefficient equipment (estimate from Pacific Gas and Electric’s Food Service Technology Center).

Food Service Warehouse estimates that a typical food service establishment, completely equipped with energy-efficient equipment, can use 25% to 27% less energy than a kitchen outfitted with standard food service equipment.

“Restaurants that invest strategically in energy efficiency can cut utility costs between 10 to 30 percent without sacrificing service, quality, style or comfort-while making significant contributions to a cleaner environment.” -Kate Lewis, Sales and Marketing Manager for ENERGY STAR® Commercial Food Service Program.

To kick off their Certified Green Commercial Kitchen program, Food Service Warehouse will give away a green commercial kitchen worth up to $40,000 to one qualifying kitchen.

Read more of this story »