Sustainability

At QEK, sustainability is at the core of our mission. We strive to create lasting positive impacts on both our communities and the environment through our various initiatives.

Sustainable Food Systems

We educate our students and trainees about sustainable food practices, focusing on reducing food waste, promoting local and seasonal produce, and implementing environmentally friendly cooking methods.

Community Support

Through our social enterprise, Tirana Green Life (TGL), we provide affordable, high-quality food products to low-income families and marginalized groups, while also fostering social inclusion and economic growth.

Environmental Education

Our programs emphasize the importance of environmental protection, water conservation, and the use of non-plastic, recyclable materials. We engage participants in activities that promote a green lifestyle and responsible consumption.

Empowering Women and Youth

We focus on capacity building for women and young people in rural areas, helping them to develop sustainable agricultural practices and agro-tourism projects. This not only empowers them economically but also supports the development of their communities.

How we help

Qendra për Edukim Kulinar (QEK) has a proven track record of integrating sustainable practices into vocational training and collaborating closely with hospitality leaders and food-system stakeholders. Our expertise empowers professionals to embed environmental stewardship and resource-efficient operations across the culinary and hospitality ecosystem.

We develop and deliver tailored sustainability training From zero-waste menu planning to energy- and water-efficient kitchen workflows, our hands-on programmes equip chefs and hospitality teams with the skills to minimise environmental impact while maximising quality and profitability.

We partner on green-operations roadmaps Working side-by-side with restaurants, hotels and food producers, we conduct sustainability assessments—analysing waste streams, sourcing practices and utility usage—and co-create clear, actionable strategies for circular-economy initiatives, waste diversion and green certification.

Growth-strategy roadmap for eco-focused hospitality businesses We design strategic plans that help cafés, restaurants and caterers integrate sustainability into their core value proposition—benchmarking best practices, identifying partnership and funding opportunities, and prioritizing initiatives that enhance both environmental and financial performance.