A purposeful path to a more sustainable future
Our approach to sustainability has always been by learning through doing: test, measure, adapt and move forward.
Recent acquisitions and a period of unprecedented growth mean our business is larger and more complex, increasing both our scale and responsibility.
At the same time, our understanding of environmental and social challenges has deepened. We now recognise more clearly than ever that human and planetary health are interconnected: in the soil that supports our crops, the water that sustains communities, and the ecosystems that support all life.
With this insight, our approach is evolving and our scope for change has widened. Climate, waste, nature and human health are now fully integrated into a new single commitment: Our Planet Promise.
This systems-thinking led approach, that we are launching through Our Planet Promise, enables us to do more and prioritise our areas of focus.
This report shines a spotlight on the great work of our teams across the business, what we have achieved to date, what we have learnt and where we believe we can continue to deliver positive change moving forward.
Commenting Robin Mills, CEO, Compass Group UK & Ireland said:
"Our Planet Promise marks the next step in our 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 Group 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.”
Our 2025 impact highlights
Our areas of focus
Our Planet Promise brings together four interconnected areas: climate, waste, nature and health. Each one matters on its own, and each one strengthens the others. That’s why we’re taking action across our menus, our operations and our supply chain to drive change and make sustainable choices easier.
Climate
With food systems being the second biggest contributor to GHG emissions, we are driving meaningful change within our operations and across the wider value chain to decarbonise the sector.
Waste
Reducing waste across the value chain is key to minimising our footprint and driving the sustainable use of resources.
Nature
As climate change and environmental pressures threaten water, forests, and biodiversity, we are protecting and restoring nature by embedding stewardship into our operations and sourcing practices.
Health
As society faces growing health and nutrition needs, we are shaping a food environment that makes healthy, sustainable choices easier.
Creating a sustainable supply chain
We are strengthening how we embed sustainability across our supply chain through a new supplier framework. This integrates environmental, social and governance standards into sourcing and tendering from supplier selection and contract requirements to ongoing monitoring supporting responsible procurement and shared progress with our partners.
Recipe reformulation for lower carbon menus
Recipe reformulation is one of our most effective ways to reduce emissions across the value chain while maintaining quality, nutrition and choice.
In FY25, we analysed 5,441 recipes using Foodsteps carbon ratings to help our chefs design lower carbon menus with confidence. 32% of centrally analysed recipes are already rated A to B for lower carbon impact.