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Compass Group UK & Ireland has launched a new sustainability strategy designed to bring together action on climate, nature, waste and human health, creating a systems-based framework.
Our Planet Promise builds on measurable progress already made across the business, including reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, improvements in waste management, more responsible sourcing of ingredients and healthier meals. As sustainability challenges become more complex, Compass believes tackling climate issues in isolation is no longer enough.
Business highlights to date:
- Greenhouse gas emissions down 7.5 per cent since 2019, while the business achieved 53 per cent growth in revenue
- Direct and energy-related emissions cut by more than 80 per cent since 2019
- Strong progress on waste reduction, responsible sourcing and healthier menus
- Reduced food waste by 8 per cent in 2025
- Donated equivalent of 254,000 meals to charity in 2025
- Served over 120 million portions of vegetables to children in past 12 months
Decarbonisation roadmap
Due to the combination of the company’s significant growth, complexity of food and drink emissions, along with the current maturity of emerging technologies and solutions, Compass says it has taken the decision to set a new baseline, that better reflects the business it is today. This in turn has created a new trajectory for net zero to 2040. The company’s ambition remains unchanged, with a continued focus on accelerating near-term action to drive meaningful progress.
Robin Mills – CEO, Compass Group UK & Ireland said: “Over the past five years, our business has undergone extraordinary transformation and growth. Operating sustainably has remained a guiding principle throughout. As we’ve evolved, we’ve learnt a great deal about where we can make the most meaningful difference and how we can use our scale, expertise and partnerships to drive positive change.
“Our Planet Promise marks the next step in that journey. It reflects the integrated, systems‑led approach we now take — one that looks beyond carbon to consider how we reduce waste, protect nature, promote health and uphold the highest standards of animal welfare. This is about doing the right thing for people and the planet, while continuing to deliver high‑quality services for our clients and customers.
“I am incredibly proud of the progress our teams have made so far and grateful to our clients, customers, suppliers and colleagues for their support and openness to trying new ways of working. Together, we are creating a more resilient, responsible and sustainable future for our industry.”
Professor Sir Charles Godfray added: “Climate change can seem complex, but its core truth is simple: the emissions we release are warming the planet and driving more extreme weather. The details may be uncertain, but the need to act is not. What gives me confidence is that Compass UK & Ireland is taking this challenge seriously. The organisation has invested in understanding its emissions and that of its supply chain and recognises that climate action must sit alongside progress on waste, nature, water, health and affordability. Across the business there is a real drive to do more and a willingness to learn by doing. Compass wants to make a meaningful difference for the planet, and I believe it will.”
