Aramark Canada commits to cutting food-related emissions by 25% by 2030

Aramark Canada, a major player in the country’s food service sector, has made a landmark commitment to reduce food-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 25% by 2030. This bold initiative positions Aramark Canada as the first Canadian contract catering company to sign the Coolfood Pledge, a science-based target developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) to address food system emissions.

This pledge marks a significant step in the company’s broader sustainability strategy, “Be Well. Do Well.” By setting ambitious, measurable goals, Aramark Canada is aligning itself with global climate action efforts to reduce the environmental impact of food services while responding to growing consumer demand for sustainable dining options.

How Does Aramark’s Coolfood Pledge Address Climate Change?

The Coolfood Pledge is a global initiative led by the WRI to help organizations reduce the climate impact of their food offerings. Through a peer-reviewed calculator and methodology, the program provides insights into the carbon opportunity cost of food from production to consumption. By participating, Aramark gains the tools to monitor, measure, and reduce the emissions associated with its food services.

Michael Yarymowich, Director of Sustainability at Aramark Canada, highlighted the significance of this step, saying, “Signing the Coolfood Pledge provides our teams with a clearly defined goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It underlines our commitment to fighting climate change while meeting consumer demand for sustainable food choices.”

The pledge is particularly impactful given that nearly half of Aramark’s total greenhouse gas emissions are linked to the food it procures and serves. Reducing emissions at this scale requires innovative solutions and collaborative efforts, which the Coolfood initiative provides.

Why Is Climate-Friendly Dining Important for Canada?

The food service industry is a major contributor to global emissions, and in Canada, where the agricultural sector plays a critical role in the economy, these emissions have a significant environmental footprint. Climate-friendly dining not only reduces emissions but also aligns with Canada’s broader climate goals, including commitments to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

By expanding its Coolfood-certified meals, Aramark Canada is helping consumers make environmentally conscious dining choices. These low-carbon meals are third-party verified by WRI and designed to offer delicious, sustainable options. Such initiatives empower diners while encouraging other industry leaders to follow suit.

How Is Aramark Scaling the Coolfood Program Across Canada?

Since 2022, Aramark Canada has piloted Coolfood-certified meals at select university campuses. This initial phase demonstrated a strong demand for plant-forward and climate-friendly menu options. Building on this success, the company now plans to roll out these offerings to hundreds of additional locations across Canada, including higher education institutions, healthcare facilities, and business dining venues.

Aramark’s current global operations already feature over 3,000 Coolfood-certified meals across 1,000 accounts in the United States. In 2022, Aramark became the first U.S. contract caterer to sign the Coolfood Pledge, setting a high standard for the industry.

What Does This Mean for the Food Service Industry?

Aramark Canada’s leadership in sustainable dining signals a broader shift within the food service industry. Jenny Arthur, Head of Coolfood at the World Resources Institute, praised the company’s efforts: “With its enormous reach, Aramark’s commitment to cut food’s climate impact sends a message to the entire industry that this is the future of dining.”

Aramark’s approach combines operational changes with consumer engagement. Coolfood-certified meals are specifically designed to appeal to diners who are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their choices. The initiative simplifies the process for consumers, making it easy to identify sustainable options without compromising on taste or quality.

Expert Analysis: Sustainability as a Competitive Edge

The growing emphasis on sustainability is reshaping consumer expectations across industries, and food services are no exception. By proactively addressing the environmental challenges associated with its operations, Aramark Canada is positioning itself as an industry leader.

In addition to meeting regulatory and societal demands for climate action, this strategy enhances the company’s brand value and strengthens its appeal among environmentally conscious consumers and clients.

Aramark Canada’s commitment to cutting food-related emissions by 25% by 2030 represents a pivotal step in advancing sustainable dining practices. Through its partnership with WRI’s Coolfood initiative, the company is setting a new standard for the food service industry, both in Canada and globally.

As it expands its Coolfood Meals program to hundreds of locations nationwide, Aramark is proving that climate-conscious dining can be both practical and profitable. With a focus on measurable goals and consumer engagement, the company is leading the way toward a greener future for the food service sector.