Article

Sustainable future

Helping Maple Leaf Foods put dinner on the table without harming the planet

Let’s be honest—understanding the impact of carbon emissions is something we’re all still navigating. We know the stakes are high, but integrating that knowledge into our business decisions? That’s where it gets tricky.

The truth is, the longer we wait, the more we risk facing tougher regulations and greater consequences. But here’s the upside: by aligning our strategies and investments with sustainable practices now, we can safeguard both our planet and our future. It’s about making smart, responsible choices today, so we’re not left scrambling tomorrow.

Is it possible to do good business and meet sustainability goals?

At Deloitte, we see working with purpose as fundamental to our mission as an organization. So, when Maple Leaf Foods came to us to help align business and sustainability goals, we were committed to making it happen. Their vision? To decarbonize their operations and supply chain through data-driven, targeted action. Long term? To become the most sustainable protein company on Earth without compromising their business.

We supported Maple Leaf Foods in areas like greenhouse gas accounting, business strategy, financial modelling, risk assessment, and external reporting and disclosure.

But let’s zoom out.

How does work like this match our purpose to make an impact that matters?

We talked to Rob Saunders, our global specialist for power, utilities, and renewables, to shed some light on this question.

“Working with clients who are taking these leadership positions, who are rolling up their sleeves, is an important example of where we can collaborate on making an impact that matters for Canadians.

Maple Leaf Foods set out to lead in decarbonization, showing how you can run a successful business while still hitting sustainability and climate targets. But most importantly, they wanted to give people the confidence that the products they're enjoying are produced in an environmentally conscious way.”

Working with clients who are taking these sorts of leadership positions takes dedication. At the very front end, it means strategizing, building business cases, and understanding where their capital dollars and investments are going to make the most impact possible.

“We helped Maple Leaf Foods refine and scale their sustainability goals. Together, we set science-based targets to reduce emissions and developed a comprehensive roadmap to achieve them. Our focus was on helping them turn these commitments into actionable strategies, ensuring they could meet their goals efficiently over time.”

At Deloitte, we’re committed to building a future where sustainability is always in the spotlight.

"When you think about decarbonizing solutions, Deloitte might not be the first name that comes to mind. But our strength lies in blending strategic insights with technical and engineering expertise. We've spent years working with highly technical and heavy asset industries, building a wealth of knowledge that truly sets us apart. This allows us to offer comprehensive solutions—economic, financial, and techno-economic analysis—to help organizations confidently navigate their sustainability journeys."

"With Maple Leaf Foods, we dove deep into their operations, helping them reimagine and transform how they work for the future. Together, we're leading the way toward a greener tomorrow."

Our service imperatives

1

Sustainable future

Learn how we collaborate with companies on the journey to decarbonization.

Read more

2

Meaningful work

To turn the workplace into a place of growth and success, we must rethink what work means from a human perspective and foster spaces where people can truly shine.

Read more

3

Trusted institutions

Building strong, resilient communities begins with investing in its youngest members.

Read more

4

Imaginative capital

As Canada continues its journey to net-zero emissions, the way we allocate our energy and resources need to move with the winds of change.

Read more

Full Circle

A Deloitte podcast

Big questions demand big solutions. Join us as we unpack some of Canada's biggest challenges on Full Circle, our new podcast that dives deep into the issues shaping our future. With insights from experts, innovators, and people with perspective, Full Circle goes beyond surface-level discussions to explore ideas that challenge the status quo. Listen to a no-holds-barred conversation on everything from the everyday to the extraordinary and get a head start on bringing the conversation Full Circle.

Check out our latest episodes >