Tim Hortons sustainability score: 28/100

RBI reports consolidated Scope 1 & 2 emissions across four brands via GHG Protocol but does not break out Tim Hortons' operational footprint. With 6,043 restaurants, distribution fleets, and roasting facilities, Tim Hortons' emissions are substantial yet unquantified at brand level.

RBI reported 28.9M tonnes CO2e Scope 3 emissions for 2024 across all brands, with beef driving 48% of inventory. Tim Hortons' specific share is not isolated. Coffee sourcing verified 100% via Enveritas for deforestation standards, but brand-level supply chain footprint remains opaque.

RBI achieved 3.7% Scope 3 reduction versus 2022 baseline but targets are intensity-based (per revenue), not absolute. RBI targets 40,000+ restaurants by 2028, so absolute emissions will likely rise. SBTi targets are under re-baseline post-acquisition, creating accountability gaps.

RBI procures 99% renewable electricity for corporate-owned facilities via RECs. However, Tim Hortons' 6,043 restaurants are franchise-operated; their energy sourcing is uncontrolled. Effective renewable penetration across the full system is unknown and likely far lower than 99%.

RBI covers palm, fiber, soy, beef, and coffee under forest commitment; 93% of fiber-based packaging is recycled or certified. Tim Hortons' coffee verified deforestation-free via Enveritas. No TNFD disclosure or quantified nature footprint exists. World Benchmark Alliance ranks RBI 10th in restaurant segment with scope for improvement.

Tim Hortons phased out 300M plastic straws and launched reusable cup pilots. However, Greenpeace identified it as Canada's second-largest plastic polluter; Environmental Defence placed it on 'Plastic Wall of Shame' for 59% more plastic in lids. CBC found recycling bins' contents sent to landfill.

No current water footprint data published for Tim Hortons or RBI. Historical facility reductions from 2011–2014 are cited, but coffee production requires 140 litres per cup; Tim Hortons serves 5M+ daily. World Benchmark Alliance flags water withdrawal as an improvement area.

RBI set SBTi-approved 50% GHG reduction by 2030 (from 2019 baseline) and net zero by 2050. Scope 3 target is intensity-based, not absolute, limiting credibility. Re-baselining targets post-Firehouse acquisition creates gap in accountability.

RBI publishes annual reports, discloses via CDP, follows GRI/SASB/TCFD. Named to DJSI North America Index three years. However, Tim Hortons publishes no standalone report; accountability is at RBI group level. No executive remuneration linked to sustainability targets.

Greenpeace named Tim Hortons Canada's second-largest plastic polluter (2018–2019). Environmental Defence 'Plastic Wall of Shame' placed it for increasing lid plastic 59%. CBC revealed recycling claims false; contents sent to landfill. Privacy violation (app tracking, 2022). RBI spent $270K on US lobbying in 2024.