International. The McDonald's restaurant chain announced it will partner with franchisees to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to McDonald's restaurants and offices by 36% by 2030, taking 2015 as a base year.
Through collaboration and partnership with its suppliers and producers, the company also commits to a 31% reduction in emissions intensity (per metric ton of food and packaging) across its supply chain by 2030, from 2015 levels. This combined target has been approved by the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
"Through actions we take to meet our goals across our supply chain and in company restaurants and franchises, we expect to prevent 150 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent from being emitted into the atmosphere by 2030. This equates to taking 32 million passenger vehicles off-road for an entire year or planting 3.8 billion trees and growing them for 10 years. The goal will allow McDonald's to grow as a business without increasing its emissions," the company's official statement reads.
To achieve its goal, 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 elevating and supporting sustainable agriculture practices. In collaboration with thousands of franchisees, suppliers and producers, it will prioritize actions in the largest segments of its carbon footprint: beef production, use and supply of energy in restaurants, packaging and waste. These segments combined account for approximately 64% of McDonald's global emissions.
