The Students' Union at UWE has taken a significant step towards sustainability by launching a new menu featuring Klimato’s carbon labelling A-E scale.
Bristol, April 9, 2025
The Students' Union at UWE has taken a significant step towards sustainability by launching a new menu featuring Klimato’s carbon labelling A-E scale. This initiative is part of their commitment to the Sustainable Student Union’s Charter.
The introduction of carbon labels provides clear information about the environmental impact of each dish, helping diners make informed choices. The labels rate the climate impact of food based on the amount of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) per meal, with ratings ranging from A (very low) to E (very high).
By highlighting the carbon footprint of meals, The Students' Union aims to encourage students to opt for lower-emission options, supporting more sustainable eating habits. This initiative aligns with our values of commitment to sustainability, and forms part of our 2026 Strategy reflecting the growing concern among students about sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The carbon labels are expected to attract climate-conscious diners, enhancing the appeal of the Students' Union. Studies have shown that carbon labelling can increase sales of low-emission meals, as customers are more likely to choose dishes that align with their values.
Students at UWE have generally reacted positively to the new menu featuring Klimato’s carbon labelling system. Many appreciate the transparency and the ability to make more informed choices about their meals. The Students' Union has reported a noticeable shift in meal choices, with a slight drop in sales of high-emission (E-rated) meals and an overall reduction in the average carbon footprint per meal. This suggests that students are increasingly opting for lower-emission options, reflecting their growing concern for environmental impact.
The Klimato online toolkit allows the Students' Union to compare sales and their environmental impact between different periods. A comparison of January and February 2025 sales suggests the labelling is having a positive influence on meal choices. The average CO₂e dropped from 1.27 kg per meal in January to 1.22 kg in February, equivalent to saving the energy of charging four mobile phones in one month. Additionally, there was a 1% drop in sales of E-rated meals as a percentage of total sales.