Bon Appetit creates new climate change policy

Bon Appetit Management Company this week announced a new commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 38% per calorie of food by 2030.

Growing, transporting, packaging and refrigerating food add up to one-third of emissions worldwide, the company said in a statement. As the foodservice provider at colleges, corporate offices and other institutions in 33 states, Bon Appetit’s food purchases represent the majority of its total emissions.

Greenhouse gas emissions have a major impact on climate change, and by targeting calories instead of a net emissions reduction target, Bon Appetit is centering the conversation on food as a significant contributor, the company said.

“Addressing the climate change impacts of the food system calls for a sustained commitment to improvement,” Bon Appetit cofounder and CEO Fedele Bauccio said.  “Since 2007, we’ve been addressing climate change as a company and I look forward to dramatically reducing our impact with this new commitment, and to helping our clients across the country meet their emissions reduction goals.”  

The company plans to reach its calorie-based target by arming its chefs, operations teams and guests with new tools and easy ways to make food choices with a lower carbon footprint. These include creating plant-forward culinary trainings, helping operators skew menus away from meat and cheese, and partnering with farmers who utilize carbon-offset regenerative agricultural practices.