GOAL 17
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
We are aware that we cannot do this alone. Achieving this goal requires the development of strategic alliances that enable us to carry out initiatives that impact more people. This makes SDG 17 transversal to all our pillars.
Our contribution: We are all in this together, from Arcos Dorados’ employees, Franchisees and suppliers to investors, NGOs and academics, and we know that local communities and subject matter experts are critical to lasting impact. Continuing to build meaningful partnerships will help us prioritize the issues of greatest concern to our business and society, and drive innovation.
GOAL 12
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Responsible sourcing of our food and packaging is fundamental to our ability to continue to source high-quality raw materials in the future. This includes making the most efficient use of natural resources and minimizing negative impacts on people and the planet.
Our contribution: We have a strong commitment to source only certified and recycled raw materials. In addition, we work to eliminate single-use plastics from our operation and generate circular economy procedures that allow us to reduce our impact on the environment.
GOAL 7
Ensure access to affordable, safe, sustainable and modern energy for all
Energy is the main contributor to climate change, accounting for around 60% of total global greenhouse gas emissions.
Our contribution: Through changes in habits in our restaurants, we are working to ensure sustainable energy management.
GOAL 6
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
The sustainable management of water resources, in turn, allows us to improve the management of food and energy production and thus contribute to the economic growth of communities. To this end, it is important that we work to reduce the consumption of this natural resource.
Our contribution: We carry out different implementations in our restaurants that allow us to regulate consumption. In addition, through the Natal Program, we reuse water for cleaning and irrigation tasks in the restaurants.
GOAL 15
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Forests around the world are threatened by deforestation, which is estimated to account for up to 15% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This represents a real risk to our business, our supply chain and our customers.
Our contribution: Committed to caring for them, we were the first company to sign a global agreement to combat climate change, engaging in the supply chain to ensure that our raw materials do not contribute to deforestation.
GOAL 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
The ocean drives the global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. Our rainwater, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, much of our food and even the oxygen in the air we breathe are provided and regulated by the sea.
Our contribution: To ensure their proper management, we work to ensure that we source from sources that are respectful of the seas and the environment.
GOAL 13
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects
Climate change is the greatest environmental issue of our time and affects our customers, our employees, from our supply chain to the communities in which we operate our restaurants.
Our contribution: With a presence in 20 countries in the region, at Arcos Dorados, we are using our scale, engaging across our supply chain, to help address this defining issue for current and future generations.
GOAL 8
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth; full and productive employment and decent work for all
Reducing unemployment and developing useful skills, especially for young people, are essential components of sustained and inclusive economic growth. With a presence in 20 countries in the region, we employ more than 100,000 people, 71% of whom are young people between the ages of 19 and 24.
Our contribution: We are one of the main employers of young people in the region. We understand that it is through first job opportunities and ongoing training that we can ensure people’s professional development.
GOAL 4
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Education contributes to reducing inequalities, empowering people around the world to lead healthier and more sustainable lives.
Our contribution: We remain strongly committed to providing training opportunities for all people, whether they are employees or young people in their final years of secondary school.
GOAL 3
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Access to health and well-being is a human right, and this is why the Sustainable Development Agenda offers a new opportunity to ensure that all people, not just those with the highest purchasing
power, can access the highest standards of health and healthcare.
Our contribution: From Arcos Dorados and the McDonald’s system of which we are part, we work to keep families with children receiving medical treatment together and close to specialists. In addition, we are constantly evolving, providing changes in our menu offerings and alternatives to bring children to incorporate new habits into their daily lives.