Boston, May 22, 2025 – 5.1% of voting shares were cast on Wednesday in favor of a Green Century shareholder proposal asking Wendy’s for more details on how the company will achieve its sustainability goals. The fast food chain has pledged to reduce the climate impact of emissions drivers such as beef production across farms, franchises and other links in its supply chain.
“Investors want to know Wendy’s has a viable strategy to mitigate climate risk,” said Leslie Samuelrich, president of Green Century. “Plans that directly address the highest-emitting parts of Wendy’s business are critical to making its climate roadmap a reality.”
Beef is a major climate emitter
Of all the goods Wendy’s purchases, beef is the main offender in increasing emissions. The United Nations reports that beef emits more greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram than any other food. Beef accounts for 58% of the total emissions from the goods and services Wendy’s purchases.
In 2023, Wendy’s announced its first goals to reduce emissions from purchased goods and services and franchises by 2030. Reducing the climate footprint of its “fresh, never frozen” burgers is key to Wendy’s reaching its new, more ambitious climate targets, and the company identifies beef as one of four emissions “hot spots.” Nevertheless, emissions from Wendy’s purchased goods and services have increased since 2019.
Wendy’s climate plans lack key details
Wendy’s sustainability report highlights steps to achieve its climate commitment— primarily through increasing innovation rather than decreasing beef consumption. The company cites manure management and feed efficiency as key initiatives to cut emissions but lacks details about how specific projects, collaborations, or investments will make its emissions reduction plans a reality.
Competitors including Burger King, Smashburger and Shake Shack have already taken steps that will reduce emissions from beef, such as introducing alternative proteins to their menus. Burger King’s Impossible™ Whopper generates 89% fewer emissions than a beef burger, helping the restaurant reach its own climate commitment. Although Wendy’s features “product mix” as part of its roadmap to reduce emissions, it does not describe what this strategy entails.
“Wendy’s ambition to reduce its climate footprint will only benefit its business if it becomes reality,” said Green Century Shareholder Advocate Giovanna Eichner. “Investors want to know more details on how the company plans to hit its climate goals. In other words, where’s the beef?”
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