11 Fifth Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone Number: 412-456-5000
Email: v3pizza1@gmail.com
Website: www.v3pizza.com
Date Designated: 02/16/2016
Owner / Manager: Donna Porco - General Manager
The Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant assessment consists of 149 sustainable actions from seven broad areas of focus: general, waste reduction, water conservation, energy efficiency, people, responsible sourcing, and nutrition. Each restaurant that has completed the assessment has earned points for each “yes” response, indicating that selected practices are in place. Each affirmative response is to be backed up with a self-declared statement of validity by the restaurant in order to demonstrate satisfaction of the action. Below you will find this restaurant's sustainable practices.
Description | Points |
---|---|
Mandatory: We will/we pledge to display our Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant designation on our website, menu, and/or marketing materials Restaurant's statement: Our restaurant will display our Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant designation through our website, menu, and/or marketing materials, and program decal. |
1 point |
Mandatory: We will/we pledge to post the Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant decal in a place visible to restaurant guests Restaurant's statement: Our restaurant will display our Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant designation through our website, menu, and/or marketing materials, and program decal. |
1 point |
We provide sustainability-related training and information to all new and existing employees Restaurant's statement: We train all employees on our basic sustainability policies. |
3 points |
5 Points for General |
Description | Points |
---|---|
We buy at least one of the following products in bulk - no individually wrapped/portioned items: straws, to-go cutlery, or condiments used for in-house orders Restaurant's statement: We buy everything we can in bulk. |
2 points |
We practice "root-to-stem" or "nose-to-tail" cooking Restaurant's statement: We use root to stem cooking in the vegetable topping for our pizzas. |
3 points |
We post our daily specials or menu on a chalkboard/whiteboard as opposed to printing Restaurant's statement: We post the menu on the wall, but offer the customers printed versions if they like. |
1 point |
We do not use plastic bags to bag take-out items or have instilled an "offer first" approach to bagging take-out items in plastic Restaurant's statement: We offer plastic bags for take-out orders. |
2 points |
We have eliminated the use of polystyrene foam or Styrofoam containers (boxes and cups) for take-out use Restaurant's statement: We have no styrofoam products. We use plastic and paper in its place. |
3 points |
We purchase paper products and/or containers made from recycled content Restaurant's statement: Our paper plates and take-out boxes are compostable. |
3 points |
We purchase paper products and/or containers that are recyclable Restaurant's statement: Our pizza boxes are recyclable. Our paper plates and take-out boxes are compostable. |
2 points |
We purchase plastic products/containers that are recyclable Restaurant's statement: Our salad containers and cups are recyclable. |
2 points |
If we offer our guests paper self-serve napkins, we use a single output dispenser Restaurant's statement: We use a single output dispenser for napkins. |
2 points |
We use a paperless system to process guest orders Restaurant's statement: The system we use offers customers the option to not take a receipt. |
2 points |
We use environmentally-friendly cleaning products Restaurant's statement: We recently installed the Ozone Water System that cleans and sanitizes in an environmentally friendly way. |
2 points |
We serve dine-in food and beverages with multi-use rather than disposable dishware (plates, cups, utensils, ramekins, etc.) Restaurant's statement: For dine in customers, we serve our pizzas on trays. |
3 points |
27 Points for Waste Reduction |
Description | Points |
---|---|
We have installed a low-flow pre-rinse sprayer for dishwashing Restaurant's statement: Our pre-rinse sprayer was recently installed new so it is low-flow. |
3 points |
We practice water-saving dishwashing techniques: hand scraping plates, pots, and pans before washing, presoaking pans/utensils, only running the dishwasher when it is full, and/or basin style washing Restaurant's statement: We hand scrape pots and pans, presoak, and use basin-style washing. |
2 points |
We have addressed water conservation through the efficiency of our toilets Restaurant's statement: The toilets accessible to our restaurant guests are low-flow. |
3 points |
We thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator (not with running water) Restaurant's statement: We always thaw through refrigeration. |
1 point |
We avoid hosing indoor and outdoor areas. Instead, we use dry cleaning methods followed by a damp mopping Restaurant's statement: We use dry cleaning methods and damp mop. |
1 point |
We regularly check for and repair leaks in our water system Restaurant's statement: We regularly check for and repair leaks. |
2 points |
We turn off all kitchen faucets when not in use Restaurant's statement: We not run water unnecessarily. |
1 point |
13 Points for Water Conservation |
Description | Points |
---|---|
We have our HVAC inspected annually to ensure it is in proper working condition and operating efficiently Restaurant's statement: We regularly have our HVAC serviced to make sure it is working efficiently. |
2 points |
We use a programmable thermostat (continuously programmed to heat at 68 degrees and cool at 74 degrees during operating hours and 62 to heat/85 to cool during non-operating hours) Restaurant's statement: We have a programmable thermostat that is set at (or more efficient) temperatures than outlined in the criteria. |
2 points |
We have addressed energy efficiency through our windows and doors Restaurant's statement: Our windows are designed to reduce the amount of heat and glare that enters the restaurant. |
2 points |
We have upgraded to energy efficient lighting (T8 or T5 flourescents, LED, CFL) Restaurant's statement: Some lighting is EcoSmart bulbs an is energy efficient. |
4 points |
We turn off non-emergency indoor lights during non-operating hours Restaurant's statement: We turn off all non-emergency lights during non-operating hours. |
2 points |
We turn off lights in unused spaces or have installed sensors/timers to automatically turn them off Restaurant's statement: We turn off lights in unused spaces and also have occupancy lighting in the women's restroom. |
2 points |
We regularly clean evaporator and condenser coils on refrigerators (every 3 months) Restaurant's statement: We regularly clean refrigerator coils. |
2 points |
We turn off all electronic equipment at the end of business or place them in energy saving mode Restaurant's statement: Everything is shut down, but computers are placed in energy-saving mode. |
1 point |
We power down the kitchen equipment during slow, idle times Restaurant's statement: We power down the pizza oven during slow times of business. |
2 points |
We use natural cooling in place of air conditioning, when acceptable Restaurant's statement: We open the sliding door when the weather is appropriate for natural cooling. |
1 point |
We have insulated all refrigeration cold suction lines Restaurant's statement: Cold suction lines on refrigeration units are insulated. |
2 points |
22 Points for Energy Efficiency |
Description | Points |
---|---|
We provide employment opportunities for residents of the local community Restaurant's statement: 100% |
3 points |
There is a secure location to store bicycles at or near our restaurant Restaurant's statement: There is a spot where customers can affix a bike. |
2 points |
5 Points for Community/Consumer Actions |
Description | Points |
---|---|
We exceed the industry standard for FOH and BOH employee wages (over the current minimum wage rate) or have instituted an alternative pay system structure compared to traditional industry methods Restaurant's statement: All employees make above the standard minimum wage rate. |
5 points |
We offer health benefits to our employees Restaurant's statement: Any employee working over 35 hours who is also in some form of management is offered benefits. |
4 points |
Our restaurant is owned by someone who lives within the local region Restaurant's statement: Mt. Lebanon |
1 point |
We offer our staff training to further enhance career development Restaurant's statement: We train our employees on products, specifically our cheeses. |
3 points |
We provide emergency rides for employees Restaurant's statement: We provide rides for employees in case of an emergency. |
1 point |
We provide employees with at least 11 hours of non-working time between shifts Restaurant's statement: All employees receive at least 11 hours between shifts. |
3 points |
We provide our employees at least one day off for every five days worked consecutively Restaurant's statement: Our employees receive one day off for every five days worked in a row. |
3 points |
For employees earning hourly wages, we guarantee a minimum amount of weekly working hours Restaurant's statement: We guarantee a minimum amount of working hours for employees. |
3 points |
We offer our FOH and BOH employees vacation time Restaurant's statement: We are very flexible at offering vacation time. |
3 points |
We offer internal promotions Restaurant's statement: Both managers started as insider employees and were promoted to their current positions. |
3 points |
We cross-train employees across different floor and kitchen positions Restaurant's statement: All employees are cross-trained at prep work, pizza making, etc. Most employees are also trained to work the register. |
3 points |
We provide employees with the ability to move between front and back of house positions Restaurant's statement: All employees are cross-trained at prep work, pizza making, etc. Most employees are also trained to work the register. |
3 points |
We give raises based on employee performance and responsibility Restaurant's statement: We give employees raises based on increased job performance and responsibility. |
3 points |
We provide discounts for our employees at our restaurant Restaurant's statement: They get a free meal when working a full shift. Also 50% off all pizza outside of shift and a free drink. |
1 point |
We provide bonuses or incentives for employee performance Restaurant's statement: Management receives a bonus if certain goals are reached. |
2 points |
We work hard to ensure a diverse and inclusive work environment Restaurant's statement: We hire based on an applicant's skill level regardless of age, race, sex, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, etc. |
2 points |
43 Points for Employee Actions |
Description | Points |
---|---|
We use furniture that has been refurbished, remanufactured, is previously used or has been constructed from repurposed materials Restaurant's statement: The wood used in the ceiling of the first floor was reclaimed. |
3 points |
When Energy Star or energy efficient equipment is not available or attainable, we make it a priority to purchase refurbished appliances or equipment Restaurant's statement: If not buying new, we try to buy refurbished equipment. One of our refrigerators was purchased refurbished. |
3 points |
We derive some items or ingredients locally (i.e. cheese, milk, coffee, tea, juice, baked goods, beer, wine, spirits, invasive species, raw baking materials) Restaurant's statement: We purchase some produce locally in the Strip. |
3 points |
We source products from a regionally-based third party supplier Restaurant's statement: Consumer Fresh and Reinhardt Foods |
2 points |
We purchase eggs that have at least one of the following characteristics: local, cage-free, organic Restaurant's statement: Cage free eggs |
2 points |
We make at least one of the following items in-house: salad dressings, condiments, sauces, jams, jellies, juices, soups, broths, stock, chutneys, syrups, salsas Restaurant's statement: Our ranch salad dressing is made in-house and our own infused oils. |
3 points |
When in season, we source 1-15% of produce locally (From within a 150 mile radius) Restaurant's statement: About 10% of our produce is sourced locally in season. |
2 points |
When in season, we source 16-30% of produce regionally (From within a 400 mile radius) Restaurant's statement: About 20% of our produce is regionally sourced in season. |
3 points |
We source 1-25% of meats regionally (From within a 400 mile radius) Restaurant's statement: About 20% of our meat is sourced regionally. |
1 point |
1-15% of products we use carry organic certification or are naturally grown Restaurant's statement: 10% of the products we carry are organic. |
2 points |
24 Points for Responsible Sourcing |
Description | Points |
---|---|
Our restaurant provides vegetarian/vegan fare Restaurant's statement: We offer a number of vegetarian options that can be made from items on our menu as we are build your own pizza design. Pizza can be made vegan without cheese. We also have an salad that is vegan. |
2 points |
Our restaurant provides entrée items served with fruits and/or vegetables Restaurant's statement: There are a number of vegetables our pizza can be topped with. For instance, fresh basil, garlic, spinach, red peppers, jalapenos, etc. |
2 points |
Our restaurant provides allergen-free options Restaurant's statement: We offer gluten free crust and 20 different gluten-free options. We have customers tell us our gluten-free crust is the best around. |
2 points |
Our restaurant provides low-sodium options Restaurant's statement: Salads are low sodium. |
2 points |
Our restaurant provides organic, non-GMO ingredients in beverages or raw baking materials used for food Restaurant's statement: Yes, we use some organic produce for veggie toppings: arugula, basil, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, baby leaf spinach. |
3 points |
Our restaurant provides low calorie salad dressings Restaurant's statement: FF Italian dressing |
2 points |
Our restaurant provides smaller sized soda options Restaurant's statement: Some sodas are offered in 12 oz bottles. |
2 points |
Our restaurant provides whole grain ingredients are used in children's meals Restaurant's statement: Multigrain crust can be used on any pizza. |
3 points |
Our restaurant provides fruits or vegetables are offered with children's meals Restaurant's statement: There is a wide selection of vegetables a child could choose to top a pizza. |
3 points |
Our restaurant provides alternatives to soft drinks for children's meals Restaurant's statement: Organic chocolate milk or water. We also offer sodas made with real cane sugar. |
3 points |
Our restaurant provides lean proteins are used in children's meals Restaurant's statement: Grilled chicken can be served on a pizza. |
3 points |
We use healthful, plant based oils for cooking and baking (containing predominantly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats - no trans-fat/partially-hydrogenated oils) Restaurant's statement: All oils are olive oil based - we make our own infused oils. |
2 points |
We have satisfied the requirements associated with earning Live Well Allegheny restaurant status. (Note: If your restaurant is located in Allegheny County, completing these requirements will earn you status as a LWA Restaurant in addition to your SPR designation. If your restaurant is located outside of Allegheny County, you will receive points toward your SPR designation by meeting LWA Restaurant requirements.) Restaurant's statement: We have satisfied the requirements associated with earning Live Well Allegheny restaurant status. |
3 points |
32 Points for Nutrition |