McDonald’s Promotes Social and Environmental Sustainability

Organizations that are socially and ecologically conscious will endure in the modern corporate world. In 2014, McDonald’s Corporation unveiled its global sustainability framework in recognition of this (Edie.net, 2014). This essay explores how McDonald’s Corporation contributes to efforts for social and environmental sustainability. The 1954-founded McDonald’s Corporation is one of the biggest businesses in the world, selling a variety of foods and beverages including coffee, breakfast, hamburgers, soft drinks, milkshakes, chicken, French fries, salads, and desserts.

McDonald’s (2015, p. 15) stated in its annual report that it placed a strong emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility policies to remain a more relevant and trustworthy brand. It was closely monitoring its operations as well as those of the franchisees and other supply chain partners to prevent the risks and costs associated with the greenhouse gases, climate change, and energy and water resources. There was an increased monitoring by the government, nongovernmental organizations and the public on its engagement on environmental matters such as those relating to deforestation, land use, packaging and animal health and welfare (McDonald’s, 2015, p 4&8). McDonald’s is always alert to implement the governmental initiatives in addressing the environmental matters. The company agreed and adopted the comments by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that human beings were responsible for the influences on the climate system and substantial and sustained measures were required to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions (McDonald’s, 2017).

It is currently undertaking its “White House American Business Act on Climate Pledge” program of environmental preservation through the management of the energy use, implementing more energy efficient equipment as well as more sustainable sourcing practices (Edie.net, 2014). The company also recycles wastes, conserving and reusing water (McDonald’s, 2017). It is targeting a 20% increase in its energy efficiency across its restaurants, and in 2015, it managed to attain 8%.

Social Sustainability Efforts

The company appreciates that people are at the center of its brand, which makes it remain dedicated to making positive impacts on their lives. Its behaviors, actions and decisions are guided by the core values and its standards of business conduct. Among these values include: treating workers in a fair and respectful manner, executing activities without compromising human rights, offering equal opportunities and treatment, giving a safe and healthy working environment, embracing inclusion and diversity, and employees work in a place free of any form of violence or intimidation (McDonald’s, 2017).

It embraces the diverse cultures, and promotes women’s equal opportunities through its Employee Business networks and Global Women’s Leadership respectively. In 2016, it had women holding 27% executive positions (vice president and above) in its management (McDonald’s, 2017). In addition, it partners with the Ronald McDonald’s House Charities in supporting children and families through the medical care, accommodations, and other resources they need for survival. Since 1974, McDonald’s has supported the Ronald Charities in positively impacting millions of families and their children in 60 countries and regions around the world (McDonald’s, 2017).

Conclusion

The continued success of McDonald’s can be attributed to its strong culture of good corporate governance, respecting its customers and employees, serving safe food, and delivering unique quality, service, cleanliness and value. In its environmental sustainability efforts, it has solely and/or in partnership with other entities taken measures to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions, recycles waste, enhances efficiency energy use, and packaging. Socially, it is dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of its employees and other members of the community. It donates to the charity organizations supporting families and children across the globe.

References

Edie.net. (2014, May 1). McDonald’s unveils ambitious global sustainability strategy. Retrieved April 5, 2017, from Edie. Net: https://www.edie.net/news/5/McDonalds-Corporate-Social-Responsibility-sustainability-Report-2014/

McDonald’s. (2015). McDonald’s Corporation Form 10-K. Oak Brook, Illinois: McDonald’s.

McDonald’s. (2017). Sustainability commitment. Retrieved April 5, 2017, from McDonald’s Corporation: http://corporate.mcdonalds.com/mcd/sustainability/planet.html