USA – McDonald, the American fast food company, has announced plans to reduce its greenhouse emissions from its restaurants and offices by 36% in a new 2030 sustainability plan.

In addition, the company stated that it is looking forward to reduce emissions produced in its supply chain by 31%, with a long-term objective to cut out 150 million metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere by 2030.

“As one of the best known brands on the planet, McDonald’s is well positioned to lead, and its ambitious new climate target will inspire innovation, collaboration, and most importantly critical greenhouse gas reductions across the company’s global operations and supply chain,” said Fred Krupp, president of Environmental Defense Fund.

The company says that specifically, it will partner with franchisees and suppliers in the beef production sector, at the same time investing in more energy efficient lighting, kitchen equipment and sustainable packaging solutions.

The ambition to safeguard the planet is part of the company’s goal to reduce greenhouse emissions to address climate change, something that has called for global initiatives.

Major industries in the food and beverage industry have laid down commitments to ambitious sustainability policies ranging from formal water and energy management policies to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Companies such as Coca-Cola, General Mills, Kellogg, PepsiCo have intensified sustainability actions.

Heineken pledged to grow its share of renewable thermal energy and electricity in production from the current level of 14% to 70% by 2030 by implementing the company’s ‘Drop the C’ program.

In line with the targets on sustainability set by Arla Foods in its Good Growth 2020 strategy, the company said it will invest US$656 million, part of which will support projects meant to reduce carbon emmissions.

Cargill is also working on its own pilot program to pay producers $10 per head for every animal that is verified sustainable.