- Chipotle outlines impact, progress, and goals related to three categories: People, Food and Animals, and the Environment
- Brand issues first water goal to help conserve and restore watersheds in priority regions
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., April 25, 2024 —Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today published its 2023 Sustainability Report Update, which showcases the company’s efforts across People, Food and Animals, and the Environment. The report covers Chipotle’s impact, progress and goals in areas that play a critical role in advancing its mission to Cultivate a Better World.
As a people-first company, Chipotle amplified its support for causes that matter to its employees and community. In 2023, Chipotle hosted 33,000 restaurant fundraisers to support local community organizations, bringing the company’s total lifetime contribution to $99 million. The donations support a diverse range of programs, including youth sports, schools and academic programs, community gardens, animal advocacy groups, and more.
The Chipotle Cultivate Foundation introduced its first-ever charitable match programs, “Chip In” and “Dish Out,” which amplify the generosity and support that eligible Restaurant Support Center team members give to charitable organizations. Chipotle’s cumulative efforts to Cultivate a Better World in 2023 were recognized by Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies, Forbes Best Brands for Social Impact, Time 100 Most Influential Companies, and more.
“Our mission to Cultivate a Better World extends beyond our brand,” said Laurie Schalow, Chief Corporate Affairs and Food Safety Officer. “We are passionate about lifting up our communities and hope to inspire others to do the same.”
Highlights from Chipotle’s 2023 Sustainability Report Update include:
People
- $99 million donated to local community organizations over the lifetime of the program through community fundraisers.
- 5th year being listed on Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies.
- Launched charitable match programs “Dish Out” and “Chip In.”
Food & Animals
- More than 40 million pounds of local produce purchased.
- 262 million pounds of certified pork, chicken, and beef purchased.
- Achieved 94% of goal to transition 400 acres of farmland to organic growing practices.
Environment
- 100% of new restaurant openings participated in our food donation “Harvest Program.”
- 51% of electricity was purchased from renewable sources.*
- 13% reduction in direct greenhouse gas emissions.*
Enhanced Focus on Water Stewardship in 2024
Fresh water is vital to Chipotle’s operation for cooking real ingredients and instituting enhanced cleaning procedures. Having optimized its own water usage in restaurants through recovery, reuse, recycling and proper wastewater disposal, Chipotle reviewed its upstream water utilization and identified the largest area of impact as projects related to agriculture. Chipotle set a new goal focused on conserving and restoring watersheds in priority regions identified using the World Resources Institute Aqueduct tool. In 2024, Chipotle will fund local stewardship projects focused on efficiency, restoration efforts and other nature-based initiatives to reduce erosion and improve water quality.
To learn more about sustainability at Chipotle and review the full report update, please visit CHIPOTLE.COM/SUSTAINABILITY.
*Includes on-site solar generation and a mix of renewable energy certificates.
About Chipotle
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Chipotle had nearly 3,500 restaurants as of March 31, 2024, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany and is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in North America and Europe. Chipotle is ranked on the Fortune 500 and is recognized on Fortune’s Most Admired Companies 2024 list and Time Magazine’s Most Influential Companies. With over 120,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit WWW.CHIPOTLE.COM.