Activating a sustainable future: we present the Sustainable Gastronomy label, which transforms gastronomy in Bizkaia
Can you imagine being able to choose a restaurant knowing that, in addition to enjoying a great meal, you are supporting local products, caring for the planet and fair working conditions? This will soon be a reality in Bizkaia thanks to a pioneer initiative. From BBK Kuna, in collaboration with the centro tecnológico AZTI and Basque Know How Fundazioa, we have promoted the creation of the “Sustainable Gastronomy” label, a certification that is created to transform the hospitality sector and build a more responsible future, dish by dish.
A commitment to the future: What is Sustainable Gastronomy?
The “Sustainable Gastronomy” label is much more than a label. It is an operating model designed to recognize and encourage restaurants and hotels in Bizkaia that are truly committed to sustainability. Far from being an imposed rule, it has been co-created since 2020 in a participatory process with 27 restaurants, suppliers and key players in the sector, ensuring that it responds to their needs and realities.
Defining sustainability in cooking goes beyond using seasonal products. This label comprehensively evaluates eight key areas that make a difference:
- Sustainable sourcing of raw materials.
- Efficient waste management.
- Minimization of food waste.
- Conscious use of water and energy.
- Environmental criteria on site.
- Use of sustainable materials and inputs.
- Responsible personnel management, ensuring fair conditions.
- Transparent communication with customers.
This approach is crucial because gastronomy is an economic and cultural engine in Bizkaia. Driving sustainability not only reduces its environmental impact, but strengthens the entire value chain, from local producer to consumer, in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A strategic Alliance for transformation: BBK Kuna, AZTI and Basque Know How Fundazioa
This project is the result of a perfect collaboration between three complementary entities.
BBK Kuna, as a space for social innovation in Bizkaia, brings the vision of the future and the ability to connect all actors in society (citizens, companies, academia and institutions) to tackle major challenges collectively.
AZTI, as a scientific and technological research centre, provides the technical rigor and expert knowledge to develop a robust, credible and evidence-based certification model.
Basque Know How Fundazioa acts as the bridge that connects the knowledge generated with the sector, ensuring that the model is practical, applicable and generates a real impact on the day-to-day of the hospitality industry.
Together, we have created a tool that not only certifies, but also accompanies establishments on their path to continuous improvement.
How does the label work? Criteria, process and benefits
The “Sustainable Gastronomy” label is designed to be accessible and motivating. To this end, three levels of compliance have been established that recognize the degree of commitment of the establishment. In addition, a “in-process” level has been created for those who, although not yet meeting the minimums, demonstrate their willingness with a detailed improvement plan.
For the hospitality industry, obtaining the label is a commitment to differentiation and responsibility. It allows them to make their commitment visible, attract an increasingly conscious clientele and access a guide of good practices to optimise their management.
For citizens, the label is an empowerment tool. It gives us the power to make conscious choices, supporting those businesses with our decisions that actively contribute to a more fair and sustainable food model for Bizkaia.
The project is currently at an advanced stage. After registering the brand in 2024, during 2025 its implementation will be tested in five pilot restaurants, preparing everything for its official launch to the general public, scheduled for June/July 2026.
The future is cooked today: a call to action
The “Sustainable Gastronomy” label is a clear example of how at we seek to “activate future inspirations for Bizkaia” at BBK Kuna. It’s not just about creating a brand, but about driving a cultural transformation in which food is understood as a key pillar for our health, our environment and our society.
This is a project built by and for Bizkaia, but with a global ambition: to be a replicable model that inspires other regions.
We invite you to be part of this change. The next time you go out for a meal, reflect on your power as a diner. Soon, thanks to this label, you will be able to use that power to support those who cook for a better future for all.
Because the future of food in Bizkaia is built collectively
