US Foods has announced its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 32.5% from 2019 to 2032. The food distribution company has submitted this goal to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for approval.
US Foods said it would reduce emissions by decreasing miles driven, using new vehicle technology and investing in alternative fuels including compressed natural gas, renewable natural gas and renewable diesel fuel. Additionally, the company said it plans on adding 30 electric vehicle trucks by 2023. They said they will also continue to invest in renewable energy through solar array installations.
Late last month, US Foods announced the opening of its most sustainable distribution center to date. The distribution center, which is located in Sacramento, is awaiting LEED certification for the construction and design of the facility. The location allows for fewer miles driven to reach customers. Additionally, the company said it plans to install solar array installations later this year, making the Sacramento location an important asset for their sustainable goals.
“These ongoing investments are a testament to our dedication to reducing our organization’s environmental footprint,” said Kristin Coleman, leader of Corporate Social Responsibility at US Foods, in a statement, “The expansion of our facility and fleet efficiency initiatives are a critical part of US Foods’ long-range sustainability plans to drive end-to-end change.”
In addition to reducing their carbon emissions, US Foods said it is committed to addressing “Scope Three” emissions. Scope Three emissions are those that are indirectly related to the company through its value chain. US Foods said it plans to work with suppliers to set science-based targets by 2027.
“US Foods will focus on engaging suppliers of its purchased goods and services, which comprise more than 95% of the company’s Scope 3 emissions and will collaborate with suppliers to develop meaningful supply chain interventions to support suppliers in their climate action journeys,” they said in a statement.
Research published last month suggested that many carbon emissions goals in the food industry aren’t aggressive enough to meet the industry-wide goal of 37.6%. This goal is what the SBTi says is required in order to ensure the earth’s temperature doesn’t raise more than 1.5 degrees Celsius.
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