Commercial, GHG Emissions  -  October 20, 2021

Panera Sets Climate Positive Business Ambition

Panera Bread announced Oct. 20 that it plans to be climate positive by 2050 by removing approximately 2.4 million metric tons of CO2e each year.

The restaurant chain established 2025 interim targets in pursuit of this goal, including transitioning to 100% circular packaging and using renewable electricity for at least 50% of its owned operations. Panera already reduced emissions from its operations 15% per square foot since 2017, exceeding its 2022 target.

To become climate positive, Panera will first focus on reducing its own carbon footprint and then transition to supporting credible carbon removal and sequestration projects.

“Panera has a long history of making tough, conscious choices about the food system, from serving chicken raised without antibiotics beginning in 2004 to being first to label calories on the menu,” Sara Burnett, VP of Food Beliefs & Sustainability, said in a statement. “With the launch of Cool Food Meals in 2020, Panera recognized the impact of your plate is much bigger than a calorie count; it also has an impact on the planet. As a continuation of our journey, we are committing to our ambitious goal and to work with others in our industry to make this vision for a climate positive future a reality.”