Four Seasons New Orleans is making a strong push towards sustainability. By using Winnow’s AI-powered food waste technology, the hotel has cut its food waste by 48%. This initiative is part of the hotel’s broader commitment to reducing waste, supporting the local community, and improving its environmental impact—all while maintaining the high standards of luxury for guests.
A Growing Focus on Sustainability
Four Seasons has made sustainability a priority across its global operations. Their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments include ambitious goals like halving food waste by 2030. At Four Seasons New Orleans, Executive Steward Irvin is dedicated to cutting food waste and protecting the environment. This drove the hotel to adopt Winnow’s AI technology in July 2023. “Good inventory management and mindful food production are key to reducing waste.“My advice to fellow chefs is simple: take action, innovate, and always think about reducing waste.” says Irvin.
The Results
Since implementing Winnow’s AI technology, Four Seasons New Orleans has seen significant results:
- 48% reduction in waste volume
- 11 tons of food waste saved annually
- 46 tons of CO₂e saved annually
- 27,000 meals saved annually
- $65,000 annualised reduction in waste value
Using Data Insights
Winnow’s AI system is designed to help commercial kitchens like the one at Four Seasons New Orleans take control of food waste. It uses a combination of a smart scale and a camera to track what food is being discarded, providing the kitchen team with daily reports that detail the types and amounts of food waste.
These reports give the kitchen team clear insights into what’s being wasted most frequently and what items are costing the most in waste. For example, data revealed that rice and beans were the most commonly discarded items, while more expensive ingredients like pulled pork and taco ground beef were also being thrown out.
Using this information, the kitchen was able to adjust production levels and improve inventory management, significantly reducing waste and saving money.
Creative Solutions
Beyond just cutting back on overproduction, the data from Winnow has inspired the Four Seasons New Orleans kitchen team to think creatively about how they can use ingredients more efficiently. Leftovers are now repurposed into new dishes, ensuring that ingredients don’t go to waste while also enhancing the dining experience for guests.
In addition, better inventory management has helped the team reduce over-ordering and ensure ingredients are used before they spoil. This has not only helped reduce waste but also kept food costs under control.
Supporting Local Sustainability
Reducing food waste is just one part of Four Seasons New Orleans’ broader sustainability strategy. The hotel is also committed to sourcing ingredients from local farmers and suppliers wherever possible. This not only ensures the freshest ingredients for guests but also helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and supports the local economy.
This local sourcing effort aligns perfectly with the hotel’s other environmental goals, such as reducing energy consumption and supporting biodiversity. By working closely with local producers, Four Seasons New Orleans is making sure that its sustainability efforts extend beyond the kitchen and benefit the surrounding community.
Conclusion
Four Seasons New Orleans is showing that luxury hospitality can be sustainable and community focused without compromising on quality. By embracing tools like Winnow’s AI system and fostering a culture of mindfulness, the hotel has made significant progress in reducing food waste, lowering its environmental impact, and supporting the local community.
As the hotel continues to expand these efforts, the potential for even greater positive impact grows. With the right technology and a commitment to sustainability, Four Seasons New Orleans is leading the charge toward a cleaner, greener future—while still delivering the top-tier experiences for its guests.
Comment on my blog