Compass Group Ireland has announced a commitment to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, in line with U.N. targets to limit global temperature rises to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
The group has launched a €1 million investment fund to support the development of carbon reduction and sustainable food production initiatives in the UK and Ireland.
Net-Zero
Compass Group Ireland has committed to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by publishing its 'Roadmap to Net Zero', outlining the strategy it will follow to create a sustainable food system delivering net-zero, covering milestones for the decade.
The group, which operates in over 130 locations in Ireland, has become a signatory of Business Ambition for 1.5°C, committing to align its climate targets with the Paris Agreement.
Compass has announced changes at scale to ensure that sustainability is a core business objective across all services.
These include the launch of an investment fund of €1 million to support the development of carbon reduction and sustainable food production initiatives.
The group target a reduction in carbon emissions of at least 55% by 2025, and at least 65% across its operations and value chain by 2030, from a 2019 baseline.
Deirdre O’Neill, MD designate, Compass Group Ireland, commented on the issue, saying, "At Compass Ireland we are passionate about food and service that is sustainably delivered, as are our clients, suppliers and colleagues."
"We believe it is our responsibility to contribute to a future of sustainable food production and regenerative agricultural practices, so this commitment to climate Net Zero is an important milestone that we will make it our business to achieve,” she added.
Carbon Emissions
Currently, the business is already working to remove all single-use plastic cutlery, expanded polystyrene (EPS) and unnecessary single-use plastic plates and bowls before July 2021.
In 2025, Compass Group Ireland will begin compensating some of its carbon emissions with carbon removal projects, such as afforestation in rural and urban landscapes, and peatland rehabilitation.
Once a significant reduction in carbon emissions has been achieved, the company will evolve its programme from compensating to neutralising any remaining carbon emissions, in line with the SBTi criteria.
By then, it will have delivered its 2030 Net Zero target and will continue delivering on sustainability performance going forward.
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