Commercial, Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions  -  March 21, 2018

McDonald’s sets targets to reduce GHG emissions

McDonald’s announced on Mar. 20 that it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to its restaurants and offices by 36% by 2030 from a 2015 base year. The company also committed to a 31% reduction in emissions intensity per metric ton of food and packaging across its supply chain in the same time-frame. The company will partner with franchisees and suppliers to achieve these goals.

In a statement, McDonald's reported that they are the first restaurant company to set approved science-based targets to reduce GHG emissions, with their combined target approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). McDonald’s expects to prevent 150 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from being released into the atmosphere by 2030.

 "To create a better future for our planet, we must all get involved. McDonald’s is doing its part by setting this ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to address the challenge of global climate change," said Steve Easterbrook, McDonald’s president and CEO. "To meet this goal, we will source our food responsibly, promote renewable energy and use it efficiently, and reduce waste and increase recycling."

To reach its target, McDonald’s will consider improvements such as LED lighting, energy efficient kitchen equipment, sustainable packaging, restaurant recycling, and by supporting sustainable agriculture practices. The statement noted that in collaboration with its franchisees, suppliers and producers, McDonald’s will prioritize action on the largest segments of its carbon footprint: beef production, restaurant energy usage and sourcing, packaging and waste. These segments combined account for approximately 64% of McDonald’s global emissions.