Climate Change Data

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• People
• Planet
• Plate

Environmental Achievements

• Reduced energy intensity (MWh per restaurant) from 1564 in FY2019 to 1390 in FY2024
• 17% waste diversion rate at U.S.-owned and operated restaurants
• 100% of restaurants recycle used cooking oil
• Donated 5.4 million pounds of surplus food through Darden Harvest program in FY2024
• Subscribed to 15 community solar farms generating approximately 20 MW of renewable energy

Social Achievements

• Invested more than $350 million in initiatives benefiting workforce in the past five years (paid sick leave, bonuses, subsidized medical insurance)
• Promoted 1,100 hourly restaurant team members into management in fiscal 2024
• 100% of General Managers/Managing Partners promoted from within
• Donated $2 million to Feeding America in fiscal 2024
• Awarded nearly 200 scholarships worth $3,000 each to team members' children

Governance Achievements

• Maintained a robust enterprise risk management process with Board oversight
• Partnered with BWD Strategic to assess climate-related risks in accordance with TCFD guidance
• Established an Animal Welfare Council to improve animal welfare and environmental stewardship

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Climate change impacts on operations and supply chain
• Increased operating costs due to energy policy
• Increased climate-related disclosure requirements
• Deforestation risk in some commodity supply chains
• Water stress risk in 36% of water consumption regions

Mitigation Strategies

• Increased energy efficiency and conservation
• Increased use of renewable energy (community solar projects)
• Improved data quality for GHG emissions and sustainability metrics
• Collaboration with suppliers to address deforestation risk
• Installing low-flow fixtures and water-efficient landscaping

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: 100% of suppliers of land-based protein that handle animals have submitted third-party animal welfare audits

Responsible Procurement

• Supplier Code of Conduct
• Environmental and social sourcing standards
• Third-party certifications

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

• Extreme weather events
• Natural disasters

Transition Risks

• Energy policy changes
• Increased regulatory requirements

Opportunities

• Renewable energy adoption
• Energy efficiency improvements

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: SASB, TCFD

Certifications: LEED Gold (Restaurant Support Center)

Third-party Assurance: Apex Companies, LLC

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Not disclosed

Not disclosed

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• Not disclosed

Awards & Recognition

• Not disclosed