Commercial, Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions  -  February 9, 2023

Wendy's Company Sets 2030 Goals

The Wendy's Company announced near-term, science-based targets to reduce Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions by 47% by 2030 across its global system, which were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

To make these cuts, Wendy’s will lower Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 47%, Scope 3 GHG emissions intensity by 47% per metric ton of purchased goods and Scope 3 GHG emissions intensity by 47% per franchise restaurant.

Wendy's estimates that achieving the goal would avoid approximately 7.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide.  

"We recognize our role in using resources and energy, and we continue to prioritize delivering more to our customers with a smaller environmental footprint," said Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer Liliana Esposito in a statement. 

Wendy's identified two areas of focus for emissions reductions: purchased goods and franchised restaurants. Purchased goods, such as food and packaging, represent nearly 85% of the System's Scope 3 emissions while Wendy's more than 6,500 franchised restaurants contribute approximately 10% of Scope 3 emissions.

The fast food company plans to identify projects that enable a renewable energy transition, collaborate with suppliers in scope for Wendy's goal related to Responsible Sourcing to identify ways to reduce emissions or sequester carbon in their operations and shared supply chain and develop a renewable electricity procurement strategy across the Wendy's System, starting with participation in Duke Energy Florida's Clean Energy Connection pilot program, which supplies select company restaurants with solar energy.

Wendy’s will also partner with the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Buildings Initiative to benchmark utility data for Company restaurants and franchisees, leading to greater efficiency and energy savings, improve energy efficiency through equipment retrofits and upgrades in Company-operated restaurants and at Wendy's Restaurant Support Center and leverage