Protecting the planet is a top priority, and at Aramark, we continuously look for ways to source responsibly, operate efficiently, minimize food waste, and reduce packaging to reduce our environmental impact.
Specifically, we focus on addressing climate change—reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout our businesses - from the foods we serve to the vehicles we drive.
In fact, Aramark has committed to setting enterprise-wide science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and as that effort proceeds, we continue to work toward the goal we set as a core pillar of our sustainability plan, Be Well. Do Well.: To reduce greenhouse gas emissions 15% from our 2019 baseline by the end of 2025 in the U.S.
“We are proud of our achievements, and there is still so much to do and so much value to create for our company, our customers, and the environment,” said Alan Horowitz, Aramark’s Vice President of Sustainability. “Aramark is in a unique position to deliver on the promise of Earth Day as we work together to protect the health of people and the planet.”
Every April, when Earth Month arrives, we celebrate the work we are doing in collaboration with our employees, our clients, and our communities to help protect the environment. In honor of Earth Day, April 2022, we put together just a few of the most recent ways we’re making a positive impact on the planet.
Uniforms: Recycled Fabrics
Aramark Uniform Services’ Eco Collection is crafted with recycled fiber blends, including polyester sourced from re-harvested oyster shells and Repreve®, the leading performance fabric made from recycled plastic bottles.
Higher Education: Cool Food Meals
Along with World Resources Institute, we have introduced Cool Food Meals on residential dining menus, making it easier for students at 10 U.S.-based universities to make climate-friendly choices.
Facilities: Reducing, Recycling at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
With over 1 million visitors annually in a natural setting, Red Rocks Amphitheater is fully committed to addressing the impact of waste on the environment. As part of the food and facilities team onsite, we work to first reduce materials that would otherwise end up in landfill. A robust recycling and composting program has been in place for 15+ years—and in 2012 the teams worked to convert food disposable products to compostable. To date, we’ve been breaking records for recycling and waste diversion and hope to achieve a 90% diversion rate in 2022.
Destinations: Electric Vehicle Charging at Yosemite National Park
We increased the availability of electric vehicle charging stations in Yosemite National Park thanks to a collaboration between Adopt a Charger and Rivian. The new charging stations enable more emission-free transportation, helping preserve and protect the park.
K-12: Round Rock ISD Composting
Round Rock Independent School District in Texas is piloting a composting program at three schools where nearly every lunch item from the flatware to the trays is composted and recycled.
Supply Chain: Local Seafood Sourcing in New England
We are increasing local seafood sourcing in New England through a partnership with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI). Now, select seafood at Aramark Higher Education, Healthcare+, and Business Dining accounts in the area is traceable to fishing communities in the Gulf of Maine.
Corporate: 2021 Be Well. Do Well. Impact Report
Aramark released its 2021 Be Well. Do Well. Impact Report, highlighting the processes in place to manage key environmental, social, and governance issues, and progress toward its sustainability goals.
