- Supply chain issues
- Labor shortages
- Racial justice reckoning
- Growing number of natural disasters
- COVID-19 pandemic
- Lower than hoped waste diversion rate (due to better tracking)
- Difficulty in calculating Scope 3 emissions
- Food waste
- Labor shortages impacting turnover and retention
United Natural Foods, Inc.
Greenhouse gas emissions & sustainability report data
In its 2020-08 to 2021-07 reporting, United Natural Foods, Inc. disclosed greenhouse gas emissions of 21.0M tCO2e/year (FY2020). By scope: Scope 1: 418.4K tCO2e/year (FY2020); Scope 2: 257.1K tCO2e/year (FY2020); Scope 3: 21.0M tCO2e/year (FY2020). Figures are as stated in the company's own report and may use different boundaries, units or methods (for example market-based vs location-based Scope 2), so compare with care.
GHG Emissions
21.0M tCO2e/year (FY2020)
2020-08 to 2021-07
Renewable Energy
1% of total energy use
of total energy
Waste
49.0K tons/year
2020-08 to 2021-07
Energy Use
757.1K MWh/year
2020-08 to 2021-07
📊 Emissions by Scope (2020-08 to 2021-07)
| Scope | What it covers | Reported value |
|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | Direct emissions from sources the company owns or controls (fuel combustion, company vehicles, process and fugitive emissions). | 418.4K tCO2e/year (FY2020) |
| Scope 2 | Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heat and cooling. | 257.1K tCO2e/year (FY2020) |
| Scope 3 | Other indirect emissions across the value chain (purchased goods, business travel, use of sold products, etc.). | 21.0M tCO2e/year (FY2020) |
New to scopes? Read Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions explained and market-based vs location-based Scope 2.
📈 Emissions by Report Period
| Report period | Headline emissions figure reported |
|---|---|
| 2020-08 to 2021-07 | 21.0M tCO2e/year (FY2020) |
| 2017 | 130.3K tCO2e/year (Scope 1 & 2) |
| 2013 | 121.3K tCO2e/year |
| 2011-2012 | 134.0K mtCO2e (2011) |
| 2010-2011 | 133.0K tCO2e/year |
Each row is the headline figure extracted from a different report; scope coverage and methodology can change between years.
✅ Reported Environmental Achievements
- 3% reduction in combined scope 1 and 2 emissions against FY19 baseline
- 2% reduction in energy consumption year-over-year
- 28% reduction in energy intensity in distribution centers (8.95 MWh/$M from 12.25 MWh/$M)
- 48% of waste diverted from landfill (increased to 58% due to improved tracking)
- 8,813 tons of food waste sent to landfill/incineration (reduction from 11,921 tons in 2019)
- Added 53 solar-powered electric trailers to the fleet in California
🎯 Climate & Sustainability Targets
🔜 Short-term
- Increase annual diverse spend to 3% by end of FY2023
- Fill 50% of management roles with associates from underrepresented groups by 2023
- Source 20% of electricity from renewable sources by 2023
- Achieve SQF certification at all distribution centers by 2025
- Strive for “Green” Ecolab Retail audit rating at all retail stores by 2025
📅 Medium-term
- Reduce energy intensity in distribution centers by 30% by 2030
- Promote soil health through regenerative and organic practices on 1 million acres by 2030
- Reduce food waste from distribution centers by 50% by 2030
- Achieve zero waste to landfills from distribution centers by 2030
- Log 200,000 associate volunteer hours by 2030
🔭 Long-term
- Donate 250 million pounds of food by 2030
🌱 ESG Focus Areas
GovernanceResponsible ProcurementCommunity DevelopmentClimate ActionWaste ReductionAssociate Safety & Well-BeingDiversity & InclusionEnergy EfficiencyCustomer Health & Safety