LEAF’s Evaluation Gets a Revamp

LEAF’s Evaluation Gets a Revamp:

Version 5.0 Coming Next Month!

The Evaluation Team at LEAF is excited to share that we are working on some big changes to bring you a new and improved LEAF certification process!

 Since LEAF’s inception in 2010, the LEAF Evaluation has gone through many changes ⁠— as new innovations, technologies, best practices and overall sustainability knowledge has advanced, we strive to keep up-to-date and ensure our evaluation is reflective of such advancements.

 Our latest changes have been in the works since August 2021 and encompass much more than simply updating our current sections on the latest research and regulations. Our team is very proud to present our latest LEAF Evaluation 5.0, launching next month.

CRAFT Beer Market, Toronto ON⁠ — Level 1 LEAF Certification

Before we dive deeper into what makes this evaluation version so exciting, let’s understand how a LEAF Evaluation works:

 LEAF Evaluations comprise a set of comprehensive and holistic questions that assess the sustainability of a foodservice provider ⁠— whether they are restaurants (independent, franchise or chain), public or private institutional foodservice providers, cafés, food trucks or catering services. We also recognize that as a result of the pandemic, foodservice providers are taking new shapes and forms, and thus have created the space for them (i.e. take-out only establishments).

The evaluation questions encompass ten categories, from food sourcing to supplies, energy and water usage to building design, chemicals to furnishing and decor, waste and recycling to employee well-being and policy. Based on an establishment’s score, it would be awarded a LEAF Certification level ranging from Level 1 to Level 3, with Level 3 certifications being the highest. Once an establishment receives their certification, they can then proudly show the world their badge of sustainability and join our list of Green Restaurants in Canada! 

 Compared to the previous version (4.2) introduced in late 2019, the LEAF Evaluation 5.0 has many exciting key developments that have resulted from dozens of hours of discussion, assessing each question with thoughtfulness, intention and critical thinking.

Below are some of the new changes to come in Version 5.0:

1. New medium of evaluation

   The evaluation system will transition from simply being a spreadsheet-based inputting format to also include other technologies. Our new inputting medium is more user-friendly and more streamlined for data input, collection, and analysis. In the future, we hope to develop and move into a LEAF-specific evaluation software ⁠— leveraging the synergy of spreadsheets and automation marks the first step of that bigger picture!
   

2. Elimination of evaluator’s discretion

   Although each LEAF evaluation is performed by LEAF Accredited Consultants that are trained to ensure consistency, the new Evaluation 5.0 has eliminated all possible avenues for evaluator discretion by providing clear, specific, measurable and objective metrics that standardize the evaluation. Your establishment can get peace of mind that, regardless of the evaluator, you can count on your evaluation score to be generated in an equitable and fair manner.
   

3. Large expansion of educational section

   As LEAF starts its organizational shift towards not only providing sustainability certification but also education, the LEAF Evaluation reflects this by expanding our section on training and education. It acknowledges all types of education ⁠— from passive to active, from within the establishment’s employees to educational outreach within its customer base, industry or greater community, from formal to informal training occasions. With this section, we aim to communicate the importance and often overlooked yet extensive opportunities for sustainability education within the foodservice industry. We will also be providing comprehensive educational modules on our new partner Restogreen’s platform, helping interested foodservice providers start and further their sustainable practices.
   

4. More comprehensive sections

   Not only has the Education section of the LEAF Evaluation been more thoroughly-developed, each and every other section has simultaneously deepened. Gaps have been identified and filled, as well as more alternatives have been considered such as new regulations and adaptations.
   

5. Greater focus on food waste

   According to Project Drawdown, a world-renowned and research-backed resource for climate change solutions, “reduced food waste” is the single most impactful solution to curb carbon emissions ⁠— reducing and/or sequestering 90.70 gigatons of CO2 within a plan to keep temperatures from rising under 2C by 2100. Reflecting this impact of food waste, there is a greater focus in the LEAF Evaluation 5.0 on this topic ⁠— hoping to not only raise more awareness on the issue, but to drive real-life action.
   

6. Increased preparedness for establishments and evaluators

   We know from the back end the amount of effort, time and details that both our evaluators and the establishments need to undergo in order to complete our evaluations. This is why we have developed a new Evaluator Package that includes specific instructions, templates, and our updated Evaluation Manual that goes through each question in the evaluation in detail. We will launch a training program for all evaluators and ensure that before they visit your establishment, they are completely up to speed about how their evaluations will look like and what to prepare for.
   

7. Newly-developed scoring framework

   Complementing our new evaluation system is our new scoring system and framework that has been developed based on various international sustainability standards. In order to ensure the credibility, quality and evidence-based impact of LEAF’s Certification, our evaluation scoring framework is developed around the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) dimensions as well as the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). LEAF is committed to a constant improvement of our methodology to reduce foodservice providers’ environmental forkprint, and the measurements in this updated scoring framework are fully standardized to either measurable percentages or Yes/No questions. 

8. More thought behind the questions: leaving no one behind
   Last but most definitely not least is the holistic bigger-picture of our evaluation update. Over the past 8 months, the Evaluation Team has truly dived into the LEAF Evaluation with a critical lens -- really looking at the underlying premises behind the questions. Our new evaluation not only includes questions framed with more equity in mind, but also creates the space to recognize all levels of effort, from small baby steps to great innovative leaps. We have also added questions that allow establishments in underserved areas (i.e. rural communities) to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability in alternative ways that may otherwise be restricted to more urbanized communities. Although LEAF was founded with the mission to increase environmental sustainability, we understand that environmental sustainability is deeply intertwined with all other dimensions of sustainability and that in order to advance the UN SDG’s “Leave No One Behind” motto, we need to exemplify and reflect it within our evaluation design as well.

We know that these are not small changes, and we want to assure you that the transition will be smooth and supportive. Current members will not be affected immediately, but seeing as maintaining LEAF Certifications require regular renewal, LEAF-certified establishments should be prepared to undergo an updated evaluation process in the coming future. Indeed, LEAF evaluations are dynamic, adaptable and under constant review to communicate new regulations, innovations and best practices in the sustainable foodservice world. 

Amsterdam Brewhouse & Restaurant, Toronto, ON — Level 1 LEAF Certification

 To create changemakers, we need to be changemakers ourselves. After months of development, the Evaluation Team at LEAF is incredibly proud of our resulting product and honoured to launch our new Evaluation 5.0 next month. We already have a few establishments in line for evaluation, and we look forward to gathering more feedback and insights through our upcoming evaluations to further hone our process. We strongly believe that this evaluation will encourage new action, generate new insights, and spark very important discussions on sustainability and climate action in the foodservice community. This is an exciting time at LEAF, and we are so grateful to share our journey with you and for all of your support.

If you’re interested in becoming LEAF-certified, we have a newly-launched pledge program housed at Restogreen where we provide establishments with personalized support, training and educational resources in preparation for their evaluation/certification. Restogreen embodies our goal to empower foodservice providers to improve ⁠— because at LEAF, success is not about measuring scores and providing certifications; at the core of it, we are here to identify tangible, actionable steps that your establishment can take to find your own path towards sustainability.

Please visit our website at https://leafme.org/ to learn more about LEAF and take the first steps towards your LEAF Certification ⁠— our team (and our sparkling new evaluation) will be waiting for you.

 With pride and gratitude,

Vicky Huang, LEAF Education & Environmental Resource Coordinator

Henmary Acosta, LEAF Environmental Co-Chair

Lyna Carrillo, LEAF Environmental Co-Chair

Environmental & Evaluation Team

Leaders in Environmentally Accountable Foodservice (LEAF)

Join our team! We're recruiting for the role of Chair, Strategy & Business Development

Leaders in Environmentally Accountable Foodservice (LEAF) is Canada’s only nationwide, non-profit foodservice certification program. Established in 2009, LEAF helps restaurants reduce their environmental impact and makes it easy for patrons to identify green restaurants. We work with all types of foodservice facilities, including restaurants, cafes, food trucks, campuses and tourist locations, to drive our mission of leading and advancing change towards sustainable foodservice operations.

LEAF is seeking an experienced candidate with demonstrated success in business strategy to fill the position of Chair, Strategy and Business Development on the Board of Directors. 

About the position:

The Strategy and Business Development Chair will sit on LEAF’s Board of Directors and will act as an expert on creating business strategies as they relate to growing our non-profit organization. The Chair will be responsible for developing and guiding strategic plans that align with LEAF’s vision and mission, generate an array of revenue streams and expand the impact of programming. It is also expected that the Chair will co-lead alongside the Board President and Executive Director on ways to reach organizational goals and objectives, provide counsel on financial decisions and make recommendations to improve organizational directives.

Key responsibilities:

• Define, develop and plan opportunities for strategic organizational growth in alignment with LEAF’s mission of leading and advancing change towards sustainable foodservice operations

• Co-lead alongside Board President and Executive Director on all matters related to business development, including sound judgment on financial decisions and ongoing assessment of organizational objectives

• Conduct research where appropriate to generate insight on marketplace trends, especially as they pertain to sustainability in the foodservice industry

• Leverage network of industry stakeholders to seek out partnerships where applicable and contribute to the creation of agreements therein

• Participate in online Board meetings four times per year with the potential for additional meetings during key strategic decisions or issues/crises

• Available for media opportunities

The ideal candidate will:

• Possess previous Board experience or a similar role

• Be passionate about sustainability and environmental issues

• Have demonstrated success in developing business strategies, including financial management, relationship and stakeholder building, spearheading company mandates and directing various projects

• Be self-motivated, professional, reliable and able to effectively communicate with a wide array of stakeholders

• Be adaptive, organized and deadline-oriented

Board Terms

Virtual: work anywhere in Canada.

The time commitment will average between 5-10 hours a month, including fulfilling action items, correspondence with LEAF, attending Board and departmental meetings and pre-reading. 

The Chair, Strategy and Business Development will serve a two-year term and be eligible for re-appointment. Board meetings are four times per year by video conference. Service on LEAF’s Board of Directors is without remuneration.

To apply:

Please send a CV and brief letter of interest to leaura.hunt@leafme.org.

Join our team! We’re looking for a Content Creator & Social Media Manager!

About LEAF:

Leaders in Environmentally Accountable Foodservice (LEAF) is Canada’s only nationwide, non-profit foodservice certification, education and advocacy program. Established in 2009, LEAF helps restaurants reduce their environmental impact and makes it easy for patrons to identify green restaurants. We work with all types of foodservice facilities including restaurants, cafes, food trucks, campuses and tourist locations. 

Content Creator & Social Media Manager:

The Content Creator & Social Media Manager will work under the direction of the Chair of Marketing and Communications to create and schedule the delivery of content across LEAF’s various social media platforms. The position will entail staying up to date on current and relevant sustainable foodservice trends, as well as what is occurring across all aspects of the organization. 

Responsibilities:

• Brainstorm and execute creative ideas in collaboration with the Marketing and Communications team to post across social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter

• Independently research and liaise with the Education and Environmental Resource Coordinator on sustainable foodservice trends, themes and events that align with LEAF’s mission and values to use toward content creation 

• Contribute to Marketing and Communications strategy during regular team meetings

• Provide support to the Chair of Marketing and Communications in establishing a pattern for content, as well as the management and execution of related tasks

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience with graphic design and content creation for social media

• Possess social media fluency, including effective strategies on execution of content across a variety of platforms

• Have a background in or experience with communications, marketing or a similar role 

• Be motivated and a self-starter with excellent attention to detail

• Be professional and reliable

Diversity:

LEAF is committed to equity and inclusion across our organization. Members of racialized groups and Indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities and others with the skills and knowledge to engage with diverse communities are highly encouraged to apply.

Position Terms:

The time commitment will average 10 hours per month, which includes fulfilling action items, correspondence with the Volunteer Coordinator and monthly virtual meetings with the Marketing Department. This position is without remuneration.

Location: Work from anywhere in Canada.

To Apply:

Please send a CV and letter of interest to leaura.hunt@leafme.org and indicate where you found the position posting.

Join our team! We’re looking for a Copy Editor and Marketing Coordinator!

Thanks for your interest - this position has now been filled! Looking to get involved with LEAF? Send us an email at leaura.hunt@leafme.org.

About LEAF:

Leaders in Environmentally Accountable Foodservice (LEAF) is Canada’s only nationwide, non-profit foodservice certification, education and advocacy program. Established in 2009, LEAF helps restaurants reduce their environmental impact and makes it easy for patrons to identify green restaurants. We work with all types of foodservice facilities including restaurants, cafes, food trucks, campuses and tourist locations.

Copy Editor and Marketing Coordinator Position:

The Copy Editor and Marketing Coordinator will work under the direction of the Chair of Marketing and Communications to create and edit communication materials, including company emails, social media and/or blog posts and educational resources. The position will entail building and maintaining an email strategy, liaising with other departments within LEAF and establishing a pattern and base for communications.

Responsibilities:

• Create, proofread and edit content for the Marketing and Communications department, including organizational emails, monthly newsletters, social media posts/captions, blog posts and written components of educational and/or marketing materials

• Build and maintain an email marketing strategy under the direction of the Chair of Marketing and Communications and alongside the Social Media Manager/Content Producer

• Regularly touch base and liaise with other departments within LEAF to provide the Marketing and Communications department with an ongoing picture of projects and activities occurring within the organization

• Provide support to the Chair of Marketing and Communications in establishing a pattern for communications, as well as the management and execution of related tasks

The ideal candidate will:

• Possess excellent written communication skills and the ability to ensure that all communications are readable, grammatically correct, free of spelling errors and align with LEAF’s brand and mission

• Be motivated and a self-starter with excellent attention to detail

• Have experience with copy editing, blog writing or a similar communications role

• Be available for monthly virtual Marketing Department meetings

• Experience with building an email strategy using MailChimp an asset

Diversity:

LEAF is committed to equity and inclusion across our organization. Members of racialized groups and Indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities and others with the skills and knowledge to engage with diverse communities are highly encouraged to apply.

Position Terms:

The time commitment will average 10 hours per month, which includes fulfilling action items, correspondence with the Volunteer Coordinator and monthly virtual meetings with the Marketing Department. This position is without remuneration.

Location:

Work from anywhere in Canada.

To Apply:

Please send a CV and letter of interest to leaura.hunt@leafme.org and indicate where you found the position posting.