In short
Artevelde University of Applied Sciences expands its research on food waste in the hospitality sector to residential care centres in Ghent. Using smart, AI-driven food waste monitors – combining scales and cameras – the project measures how much and what kind of food is wasted, and at which stage in the process. Seven care centres are participating in this pilot to collect data, gain insight and take action against waste. Read more in the news update “Gentse horecazaken kunnen gratis food waste monitor testen dankzij onderzoek van Arteveldehogeschool” and the project page “Slimme AI-gedreven weegschalen tegen voedselverspilling”.
Need and relevance
Residential care centres waste significantly more food than traditional catering settings. This not only harms the environment, but also increases costs. By monitoring food waste through automated systems, the project aims to raise awareness and drive behavioural change among staff and residents. The research contributes to the Green Deal Sustainable Care and supports the circular ‘refuse, reduce, reuse’ strategies.
From approach to impact
Each care centre will use a food waste monitor for six months. The data collected through automatic measurements and interviews will be analysed to identify pain points and propose improvements. Findings will be shared in practical tools and recommendations for the wider care sector. This research not only reduces waste, but also encourages sustainable change – with potential for broader application and follow-up studies.
Foto's: Stad Gent
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