Commercial, Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions  -  September 11, 2024

McDonald’s Achieves Progress on Emissions Decrease

McDonald’s announced its Scope 1 emissions were reduced by 6% in 2023 from 2018.

According to its 2023–2024 “Our Purpose & Impact Report," the fast food company's Scope 2 (market-based) emissions had a 38% reduction from 2018 and its Scope 3 emissions had a 4% reduction from 2018.

McDonald’s also announced that in 2023, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validated its global 2050 net zero emissions reduction target and its adjusted 2030 global emissions target.

The company is making progress toward its commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050, which includes working with suppliers to help eliminate deforestation from its global supply chain, adopting and scaling more sustainable agricultural practices, reducing waste and transitioning to more sustainable packaging. 

By the end of 2030 from a 2018 base year, McDonald’s commits to: reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50.4% from company-owned and operated restaurants and offices; reduce absolute Scope 3 energy and industrial GHG emissions by 50.4% from franchisee and company-owned and operated restaurants and the facility, logistics and plastic packaging emissions in its supply chain; and reduce absolute Scope 3 Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) GHG emissions by 16%.

The company intends to continue focusing on adding renewable energy to the grid, including through virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs), and to work toward its climate action ambitions by focusing on reducing emissions in restaurant operations and engaging suppliers to reduce emissions in supply chains.