Data, decarbonisation and diet: how foodservice can benefit as a net-zero leader, in association with Foodsteps

This is billed as the decisive decade for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To keep global warming to no more than 1.5°C we must reduce emissions by 43% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The food sector, which accounts for around a third of emissions, will have a crucial role to play in achieving this. 

As a collective, are foodservice and hospitality businesses acting as enablers or impediments to the net-zero transition? It is too early to say. However, as we approach the halfway point to 2030 there is value in taking stock.

While this report does not seek to benchmark companies or the sector, it does consider in detail what companies have committed to, where they are on what is already proving to be a bumpy road to net-zero and how best they can prepare for the challenges ahead.

Based on extensive interviews with foodservice businesses, consultants, and experts, the report shares insights into the following topics:

  • What companies have committed to and the challenges of turning these into action (practicalities, costs, regulations and competing interests within the business)
  • How the leading companies are turning commitments into action (using data), the levels of reduction in emissions and what others can learn from this
  • How and why foodservice companies are communicating with clients and customers on net-zero – from company reporting to carbon labels

You can download the report here


  1. Barbara Daly avatar
    Barbara Daly

    I would like to access your report to go towards a Future Food exam I am working on for 16-18.
    I am a retired Hod of Food teacher hence do not meet the criteria of your form re business email etc.
    The aim of this exam is to create an awareness of food on a much wider/ macro scale, ie the big picture, and not just a bit of nutrition, food science and cooking as it has been.
    It will have lots of modules such as sustainability the role of agriculture, history and geography of food, politics and psychology of food ,and hospitality, the food industry to name but a few along with nutritional and food science
    Practicals will be short and relevant to module and not the long pieces of coursework previously All these areas will be updated yearly and available digitally.
    It will give information up to date and relevant in food.
    At worst pupils will leave with well rounded knowledge of food and make decisions and choices on what to eat.
    Best case scenario will be that they will feel empowered and passionate about an area will go into Further education, Politics or into the industry and make positive changes for the future .
    I’ve based this on the saying “give a man a fish and feed him for a day, teach a man to fish feed him for life
    Hoping you can relate to the relevance of your report to my work.
    Thank you.

    1. Footprint avatar
      Footprint

      Hi Barbara, thanks for your interest. Please use this link to access the report

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