This achievement has contributed to a ‘significant’ 187,084 tCO2e absolute reduction in emissions (-20.37%) reported in its food and drink emissions alone (Scope 3, Category 1) between FY19 (its baseline year) and FY22.
Animal proteins are a key carbon hotspot for the caterer (20.58% of its FY19 baseline footprint) and the positive outcome achieved in this area is the combined impact of ‘significant’ reductions achieved in emissions-intensive subcategories such as dairy and cheese (-46.64%) and meat (-28.39%).
Robin Mills, managing director of Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: “The motivation, creativity and persistence across our communities and clients is growing and the results we have already seen are a credit to so many people within our organisation and across the global industry.
“But we must move faster. Food unites us all and we have an extraordinary opportunity to come together and reduce the impact of our diets at scale. I could not be prouder of the foundation we have built and the collective determination of our people to drive lasting change.”
Since making its climate commitment, Compass has enlisted its 4,000+ strong chef community in the ongoing reformulation of 90,000+ recipes delivered via the 180.9 million meals it serves across six sectors in 4,000+ locations. Their efforts that have accelerated in the last 18 months thanks to strong partnerships with clients across both the public and private sector.
The report provides a detailed insight into both the progress and challenges faced by a business of Compass’ size and complexity, as it looks to achieve decarbonisation and a positive environmental impact, irrespective of the market conditions.
Compass progress:
- 100% renewable electricity; up from 2% in 2019 – achieving its target, validated by the SBTi in September 2021
- 100% electric car policy introduced early (target date was 2024); 33% of fleet are now electric, 18% are hybrid and 100% on order are EV
- 90,000+ recipe reformulations underway by 4,000+ strong chef community
- Over 25,200 completions of mandated Climate Net Zero module in level 2 frontline team catering
- Food waste tracking system updated to measure and report on food waste across five categories
Carolyn Ball, director of delivery for Net Zero, Compass Group UK & Ireland, concluded: “We developed this report to share transparently the progress we have made since announcing our Climate Net Zero commitment.
“As knowledge and understanding continues to grow within our teams, our clients, suppliers and partners, we are seeing a gear shift across our entire value chain. There is a long way to go and no shortcuts to get there, but our responsibility and opportunity to act is as clear as it is compelling.”