Compass Group UK & Ireland has reported a 36.11 per cent reduction in emissions from animal proteins in the first 18 months of a targeted climate action programme.
According to the company, the reduction in animal protein emissions 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%).
These results, which are shared in Compass Group UK&I's first climate impact report since announcing its commitment to reach Climate Net Zero by 2030 in May 2021, follow the validation of its science-based targets in September 2021, and the appointment of Professor Sir Charles Godfray as Chief Climate and Sustainability Advisor, announced in May 2022.
The importance of successfully targeting animal proteins, is underlined by evidence shared in the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on the substantial decreases in greenhouse gas emissions possible through a shift to plant-based diets.
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 6 sectors in 4,000+ locations; 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.*
Progress
Three areas of progress are called out in the report covering: carbon, waste and biodiversity
Scope 3 – Category 1 (87.46% of FY19 baseline footprint recorded between 2019 and 2022)
Additionally the company has introduced new targets:
Challenges to be addressed
Professor Sir Charles Godfrey, Chief Climate and Sustainability Advisor, Compass UK&I, says: “The takeaway is clear: we shall never achieve Climate Net Zero without radical changes in the way we produce and consume food.
In the 12 months I’ve been working with Compass UK & Ireland, I have been hugely impressed by the passion with which the company is trying to make a difference.
"We are all on a journey where the destination is clear but the route uncertain.
What I am certain of is that Compass UK & Ireland can make a real difference and show that substantive change is both possible and achievable in the food service sector and beyond.
These are exciting times.”
Robin Mills, Managing Director, Compass Group UK & Ireland, says: “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.”
Carolyn Ball, Director of Delivery for Net Zero, Compass Group UK & Ireland, adds: “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.”
Also included within the report is:
