Strategic challenge
What's Cooking? is convinced that sustainability is essential for the future, making it part of their purpose. Therefore, they faced the challenge of clearly understanding their carbon footprint to set effective sustainability targets and satisfy retailer demands for detailed carbon footprint information. This task was complicated by the need to calculate scope 3 emissions, particularly from a diverse array of food ingredients. The primary objectives were to establish an initial corporate carbon footprint for all activities and locations and to break this down into specific product-level carbon footprints. By achieving these objectives, What's Cooking? aimed to pinpoint key areas for emission reductions and formulate targeted strategies to advance their sustainability goals.
Approach
Möbius employed a structured approach based on the GHG Protocol methodology to address the challenges faced by What’s Cooking?. The project was divided into several key phases:
1. Validation of Scope 1 and 2 calculations
Möbius developed a structured calculation template for scope 1 and 2 emissions, which was validated and calculated by What’s Cooking?.
2. Scope 3 calculation
A comprehensive data collection template was built to gather upstream and downstream activity data. Möbius consolidated this data into an automatic GHG calculation dashboard, providing a clear overview of CO2 emissions per location and GHG category. The calculation of emissions from various food ingredients was a focal point.
3. Building an emission factor database
An internal database was created to list all emission factors for purchased ingredients, covering the entire supply chain from field to farm, including upstream processing, packaging, and transportation. This database was integrated into What’s Cooking? ’s systems to facilitate automatic GHG emissions calculations for products.
4. Integration of product carbon footprints
Möbius helped standardise product carbon footprint calculations by developing relevant allocation keys, so What’s Cooking? could incorporate this in their existing IT infrastructure. This enabled accurate insights on a product level to improve R&D and engagement with suppliers.
5. Analysis & reporting
The results of the carbon footprint calculations were thoroughly analysed and reported to management, providing clear insights for future sustainability initiatives.
Results
The collaboration with Möbius yielded several significant outcomes:
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Structured methodology and dashboard
A robust methodology and dashboard were established, enabling What’s Cooking? to consistently calculate and reassess their corporate carbon footprint in subsequent years.
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Database of allocation keys
A comprehensive database was developed to standardise product carbon footprint calculations, integrating seamlessly with the company's IT infrastructure.
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Training and empowerment
Following the initial setup, Möbius organised extensive training for Procurement, Sales, and R&D teams, teaching them to use the new modules effectively. A workshop in Belgium, attended by 47 participants from various European sites, focused on understanding and communicating carbon targets, responding to customer inquiries, and handling supplier emission data. The R&D team received specific guidance on selecting low-carbon options during product development. This empowered What’s Cooking? staff to independently calculate the carbon footprint of new recipes and assess the impact of ingredient changes.
Overall, What's Cooking? has made significant progress in its sustainability journey, also establishing a clear baseline for carbon emissions, standardising product-level carbon footprint calculations, and equipping its teams with the skills and tools needed to meet future climate targets.
