Compass Group has become a signatory of the Courtauld 2030 Water Roadmap and the first major UK food service operator to fund a 'collective action' project operated by WRAP, a global NGO committed to furthering environmental sustainability.
The Courtauld 2030 Water Roadmap ("A Roadmap towards Water Security for Food & Drink Supply") presents a collective vision and strategic pathways to tackle the challenges faced in safeguarding vital water resources for food supply, nature conservation, and local communities—outlining a shared objective for the entire UK food and drink industry to achieve the Courtauld Commitment 2030 water target, which entails sourcing 50% of the country's fresh food from areas with sustainable water management practices.
The roadmap also aims to make a significant contribution to United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all; whilst protecting and restoring biodiversity and supporting Net Zero goals by implementing nature-based solutions.
Joining more than 55 leading food and drink businesses, Compass Group UK & Ireland has committed to setting water-related targets, reporting on progress, and investing in collective action to mitigate water risks in their supply chain.
As part of this commitment, the company has announced its co-funding of one of WRAP's collective action projects on water stewardship, specifically in East Anglia—an important sourcing area for the Compass.
We are really pleased to see a major UK food service company like Compass Group UK & Ireland stepping up and taking a lead in this way
The project, known as 'Norfolk, CamEO and Broadlands', is spearheaded by Norfolk Rivers Trust and receives co-funding from various retailers and suppliers.
It aims to collaborate with pig and poultry farmers as well as the horticulture sector to implement practical on-farm measures that enhance water retention, reduce runoff, protect soils, promote biodiversity, and fortify the resilience of the surrounding water environment.
Ashleigh Taylor, Head of Environment at Compass Group UK & Ireland, stressed the company's dedication to achieving Climate Net Zero by 2030, adding: "It is great to work with WRAP on this project to start the momentum in this area, for our business."
