UNFI Commits to Setting Science-Based Targets to Limit Climate Change Impact
December 02 2020 - 5:52PM
Business Wire
Effort is part of the Company’s forthcoming
2030 ESG agenda
United Natural Foods, Inc. (NYSE: UNFI), one of the largest
wholesale grocery distributors in North America, today announced
that it will lead the way towards a net-zero economy by setting
science-based emissions reduction targets covering its own
operations and value chain. UNFI expects its targets will align
with the goals of the Paris Agreement, to limit global temperature
rise to well-below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue
efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C for the best chance of avoiding
the worst impacts of climate change. UNFI is the first North
American wholesale grocery distributor to commit to such a
target.
UNFI’s targets–which are expected to be submitted for approval
to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) within the next
year–are a core element of the Company’s forthcoming 2030 ESG
(Environmental, Social and Governance) agenda, which includes
commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase
resilience through operational excellence and investments in clean
energy. By adopting the SBTi’s rigorous methodologies, the Company
aligns its efforts with the latest climate science.
“Our commitment to setting science-based emissions reduction
targets demonstrates our continued focus on reducing our
environmental impact, conserving natural resources, and promoting
sustainability in our operations and across our value chain,” said
Steven L. Spinner, UNFI Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We
are proud to be the first North American wholesale grocery
distributor to align with SBTi. We take seriously the need for
business accountability in solving this global challenge to ensure
a healthy planet for future generations, while providing financial
returns to our shareholders.”
UNFI has a long history of prioritizing social and environmental
issues. Earlier this year, the Company joined the Climate
Collaborative, working with like-minded businesses in the natural
products industry taking bold action to reverse climate change. In
California, UNFI is piloting its first all-electric solar powered
refrigerated trailer in an effort to explore technologies to reduce
the climate impact of its fleet. In 2021, UNFI looks forward to
activating its 2030 ESG agenda with targeted initiatives that build
on the Company’s strengths–including scale and reach within North
America–to further cement the vision of building a better
world.
“This announcement signals a higher level of ambition for UNFI
as we work to reduce our contributions to climate change, embrace
innovation, and promote environmental justice in communities across
North America,” said Alisha Real, UNFI Director of Sustainability
and Social Impact. “Climate science clearly states that we cannot
continue on a path of business as usual. Collective action is
essential, and we look forward to engaging our value chain in these
important efforts.”
About United Natural Foods
UNFI is North America's premier food wholesaler delivering the
widest variety of products to customer locations throughout North
America including natural product superstores, independent
retailers, conventional supermarket chains, ecommerce retailers and
food service customers. By providing this deeper 'full-store'
selection and compelling brands for every aisle, UNFI is uniquely
positioned to deliver great food, more choices and fresh thinking
to customers everywhere. Today, UNFI is the largest publicly traded
grocery distributor in America. To learn more about how UNFI is
Moving Food Forward, visit www.unfi.com.
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201202006013/en/
Investor Contact Steve Bloomquist 952-828-4144
steve.j.bloomquist@unfi.com
Media Contact Jeff Swanson 952-903-1645
jeffrey.s.swanson@unfi.com
United Natural Foods (NYSE:UNFI)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2024 to May 2024
United Natural Foods (NYSE:UNFI)
Historical Stock Chart
From May 2023 to May 2024