UNFI’s Climate Goals Validated by Science Based Targets Initiative
United Natural Foods (NYSE: UNFI) has announced its commitment to reducing emissions across its operations and value chain. The targets, validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative, aim for a 38% reduction in heavy freight GHG emissions and a 50% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, using fiscal 2020 as a base year. Additionally, UNFI plans to cut scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services by 25%. This initiative is part of their broader ESG agenda, titled Better for All.
- Targets validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative.
- Significant commitment to reduce overall GHG emissions by 2030.
- Initiatives are part of a comprehensive ESG agenda.
- None.
Company commits to significantly reduce emissions across its operations and value chain
“Climate change continues to pose a serious threat to our planet and UNFI is committed to taking bold action on environmental issues and investing in opportunities to reduce our emissions,” said UNFI Chief Executive Officer,
UNFI’s emissions reduction targets1 approved by the SBTi are consistent with levels required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. The three validated targets below are based on a fiscal 2020 emissions base year and fiscal 2030 emissions target year.
Operations targets
1. Reduce scope 1 and 3 heavy freight well-to-wheel GHG emissions from transportation by 38 percent on an intensity basis.
2. Reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions from all other emission sources by 50 percent.
UNFI’s fleet of over 2,000 owned and leased trucks makes 1.37 million deliveries to over 30,000 customer locations each year. These deliveries are facilitated through UNFI’s 56 distribution centers which represent approximately 30 million square feet of warehouse space. Together, distribution centers, retail, fleet and all refrigerant emissions account for less than 5 percent of the Company’s total scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
Value chain target
3. Reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services by 25 percent.
UNFI purchases nearly 300,000 products from over 12,000 suppliers and growers, which account for around 90 percent of total scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. To promote reductions, UNFI created the Climate Action Hub to provide tools and resources, including opportunities for suppliers and vendors to learn from experts and each other, to innovate and scale climate solutions across the food system. Hub visitors will find resources such as a Climate Action Guide which provides tips on how to advance their own emissions reduction work.
“We are excited to take the next step in our emissions reduction journey by having our targets validated by SBTi, but we know we can’t accomplish these goals alone,” said
“UNFI’s commitment to reducing their emissions, including their scope 3 emissions, sets a strong precedent in the food industry. By working in collaboration throughout their network of suppliers, UNFI is helping to activate and support much needed climate action,” said
1 |
UNFI commits to reduce scope 1 and 3 heavy freight well-to-wheel (WTW) GHG emissions from transportation |
Editor’s note: For a video quote from UNFI Chief Executive Officer,
About
UNFI is
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding the Company’s business that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and management estimates; actual results may differ materially. Examples of these statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our emissions reductions targets and related plans to achieve those goals. The risks and uncertainties which could impact these statements include those described in the Company’s filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220525005286/en/
Investor Contact
952-828-4144
steve.j.bloomquist@unfi.com
Media Contact
952-903-1645
jeffrey.s.swanson@unfi.com
Source:
FAQ
What are United Natural Foods' emissions reduction targets for 2030?
How has UNFI's emissions reduction targets been validated?
What is the base year for UNFI's emissions reduction targets?
What is the 'Better for All' initiative by UNFI?