Nando's reaches carbon neutral milestone

Colin Hill, CEO at Nando’s UK & IRE, has confirmed that the piri piri chicken-focused restaurant group has become carbon neutral across its scope 1 (direct ), scope 2 (power-related) and scope 3 (indirect) sources, describing it as an 'important first, not only for the brand but our industry as well'.

The announcement coincides with the start of the UN's climate change conference, COP26, which is being held in Glasgow.

Hill said: “This achievement is down to the hard work, pride and passion of all our Nandocas [the name for people who work at Nando’s], who like everyone in the hospitality trade have endured some incredibly tough times over the past two years.

"It is only with their help that we have been able to look beyond the well-publicised challenges our industry has faced to try and achieve something greater than ourselves.”

Nando's announced its goal of becoming Net Zero by 2030 earlier this year​​, which it will achieve via an absolute reduction in carbon emissions.

At the time it described the proposed changes as being ‘the most comprehensive and ambitious’ environmental commitment in its history.

As part of its plan the group aims to reduce the carbon footprint of its meals by a further 50%, following a reduction of 40% since 2015.

It has also committed to higher welfare chicken.

Fighting climate change and improving the living conditions of chicken are interlinked issues because higher welfare chicken typically has a higher carbon footprint

Strategies announced by Nando's to help it reach its target include increasing the number of plant-based menu items, and switching over to renewable energy sources.

While cutting emissions, Nando’s is also investing in carbon offsets that finance climate and development projects in South Africa and surrounding countries where it sources ingredients.

Hill added: “We are proud of this progress but we are under no illusion that the job is anywhere near done and as world leaders, activists and sustainability experts converge on Glasgow for COP 26, we’ve never felt more sure of our commitment.”