This submission reflects this organization's contribution to the climate effort, representative of their current actions and commitments as well as the ways in which they intend to step up and collaborate with others.
McDonald's Corporation's Climate Action Contribution
About McDonald's Corporation's Climate Efforts
We’re committed to building a better McDonald’s and that includes using our scale to help address this defining issue for current and future generations. In March 2018, we became the first restaurant company in the world to address global climate change by setting a Science Based Target to significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
The Company will partner with Franchisees to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to McDonald’s restaurants and offices by 36% by 2030 from a 2015 base year. Through collaboration and partnership with our suppliers and producers, the Company also commits to a 31% reduction in emissions intensity (per metric ton of food and packaging) across our supply chain by 2030 from 2015 levels. This combined target has been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
To reach its target, the Company will work across its supply chain, offices and restaurants to be more innovative and efficient through improvements such as LED lighting, energy efficient kitchen equipment, sustainable packaging, restaurant recycling, and by elevating and supporting sustainable agriculture practices. In collaboration with thousands of Franchisees, suppliers and producers, we will prioritize action on the largest segments of its carbon footprint: beef production, restaurant energy usage and sourcing, packaging and waste. Beyond beef and fiber, the whole McDonald’s supply chain is a critical part of our climate work. All supplier contributions are meaningful and will help to drive significant reductions for our 2030 target.
While the most recent step in our climate strategy of setting Science-based targets is an important milestone to drive meaningful change at scale, the Company’s work to take care of the planet spans almost three decades:
• The Company first began its focus on sustainable packaging nearly 25 years ago with the establishment of a groundbreaking partnership with Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). The initiative eliminated more than 300 million pounds of packaging, recycled 1 million tons of corrugated boxes and reduced waste by 30 percent in the decade following the partnership.
• In 2015, we put forth our White House American Business Act on Climate Change Pledge, which outlined commitments that help address climate change through specific actions on issues such as deforestation, beef production and energy used in McDonald’s restaurants. This is supported by McDonald’s Energy and Climate Position Statement from 2014, which set out our view on taking effective, collaborative action to tackle climate change.
• Also in 2015, the Company developed our Commitment on Forests which addresses our supply chain impacts on deforestation, focused on verifying and promoting responsible production practices in regions most at risk. This commitment strengthened the foundation of the company’s climate strategy as deforestation accounts for an estimated 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. We are making progress in our sourcing of beef, soy, palm oil, coffee and fiber.
The Company will partner with Franchisees to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to McDonald’s restaurants and offices by 36% by 2030 from a 2015 base year. Through collaboration and partnership with our suppliers and producers, the Company also commits to a 31% reduction in emissions intensity (per metric ton of food and packaging) across our supply chain by 2030 from 2015 levels. This combined target has been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
To reach its target, the Company will work across its supply chain, offices and restaurants to be more innovative and efficient through improvements such as LED lighting, energy efficient kitchen equipment, sustainable packaging, restaurant recycling, and by elevating and supporting sustainable agriculture practices. In collaboration with thousands of Franchisees, suppliers and producers, we will prioritize action on the largest segments of its carbon footprint: beef production, restaurant energy usage and sourcing, packaging and waste. Beyond beef and fiber, the whole McDonald’s supply chain is a critical part of our climate work. All supplier contributions are meaningful and will help to drive significant reductions for our 2030 target.
While the most recent step in our climate strategy of setting Science-based targets is an important milestone to drive meaningful change at scale, the Company’s work to take care of the planet spans almost three decades:
• The Company first began its focus on sustainable packaging nearly 25 years ago with the establishment of a groundbreaking partnership with Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). The initiative eliminated more than 300 million pounds of packaging, recycled 1 million tons of corrugated boxes and reduced waste by 30 percent in the decade following the partnership.
• In 2015, we put forth our White House American Business Act on Climate Change Pledge, which outlined commitments that help address climate change through specific actions on issues such as deforestation, beef production and energy used in McDonald’s restaurants. This is supported by McDonald’s Energy and Climate Position Statement from 2014, which set out our view on taking effective, collaborative action to tackle climate change.
• Also in 2015, the Company developed our Commitment on Forests which addresses our supply chain impacts on deforestation, focused on verifying and promoting responsible production practices in regions most at risk. This commitment strengthened the foundation of the company’s climate strategy as deforestation accounts for an estimated 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. We are making progress in our sourcing of beef, soy, palm oil, coffee and fiber.
Climate Action Commitments
Current Climate Actions McDonald's Corporation Is Taking:
Commit to Joining the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
Join some of the world’s leading businesses that are setting ambitious, ‘science-based’ emissions reductions targets that ensure their GHG reduction targets meet the level of ambition needed to limit the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C.
Click learn more for additional information including the criteria for having a target approved by the initiative
Current Climate Actions Report
Organization details
Sector
Business
Location
Chicago, IL