LEON Announces Clean Energy Initiative

LONDON, United Kingdom —  Healthy fast food chain LEON has announced it will be using 100 percent renewable electricity under a new green energy contract with Opus Energy, as a growing number of high-profile businesses invest in sustainability.

As part of a commitment to reduce its impact on the planet, the British restaurant chain also hopes the move will allow it to plan, budget and make energy savings.

“We are a company driven by positivity and purpose, commented Kirsty Saddler, Director of Marketing at LEON.

“We constantly challenge ourselves to see if we can do better and moved to a 100% renewable energy contract, even though it wasn’t the cheapest offer on the table. We are determined to invest in the future, rather than just the bottom line.”

Working with LEON to generate all of its electricity from wind, solar and hydro systems, Steve James, Director of Corporate Solutions at Opus Energy said partnering with a company with such a clear ambition on its renewable policy, making a conscientious choice in a highly competitive market was refreshing.

“At LEON they want to make it easy for people to eat well and live well, and by using our 100% renewable tariff, LEON is tapping into a sustainable, clean energy source that lives up to its reputation as a fair and ethical business,” he explained.

Launched in 2004, LEON is a founding member of the Sustainable Restaurant Association. Helping restaurants become more sustainable in the way they source their ingredients, engage with their local community and manage their impact on the environment, the aim of the organization is to promote sustainable practices, in the hope they will trickle down through the food production system.

Priding itself on sourcing and sustainability, LEON’s latest switch to renewable power is a natural progression for the company, which has plans to expand into the U.S and European markets after securing £11.5m funding from HSBC bank.

However, it’s not just wellness-focused brands that are changing direction when it comes to energy.

IKEA, Apple and Mars have all signaled their commitment to investing more in renewable energy, in a bid to highlight their involvement in combating climate change and invariably boost their image.

And, as an increasing number of consumers begin to seek out sustainability in business when exercising their purchasing power, for some brands recognising this as an opportunity could have the potential to boost their sales in the long term.