Success story
How Starbucks Achieved Real-Time Carbon Intelligence
Global coffee leader partners with Altruistiq to transform sustainability reporting and accelerate climate action.
The Challenge
Starbucks set ambitious climate targets, but their data systems couldn't keep up.
Delayed Decision-Making
Critical information reached decision-makers too late. Annual sustainability reports arrived 7 months after the fiscal year-end, making the insights outdated for strategic decisions.
External Dependencies
Starbucks relied heavily on external consultants to manage calculations in spreadsheets. This created bottlenecks and limited internal visibility.
Regulatory Pressure
Emerging regulations demanded streamlined compliance to minimise resources spent on pure reporting activities rather than impact reduction.
The Solution
Starbucks conducted a comprehensive RFP process, at the end of which Altruistiq emerged as the preferred choice due to three decisive factors:
#1. Technical Platform Excellence
Strong software capabilities at a competitive price point.
#2. Deep Industry Expertise
The biggest differentiator was technical expertise specific to the Food and Beverage industry. Altruistiq was able to understand the unique challenges related to water and greenhouse gas emissions in F&B supply chains.
#3. Collaborative Approach
Altruistiq demonstrated flexibility to work within Starbucks' existing systems rather than imposing new processes. This commitment to effective partnership influenced the final decision.
"Having better quality data and being more accurate in our analysis allows us to support better decision making. Altruistiq has really enabled that."
David Spitzley
Director of Impact Measurement, Starbucks
"Having better quality data and being more accurate in our analysis allows us to support better decision making. Altruistiq has really enabled that."
David Spitzley
Director of Impact Measurement, Starbucks
The Results
Transformed Decision-Making
Key decision-makers now access current carbon data when they need it, enabling proactive climate action based on real-time intelligence.
“Democratised” Data Ownership
Starbucks achieved what they call "the democratisation of data"—allowing teams to own their data, see the big picture, and understand their role in achieving climate targets. This cultural shift empowers every department to drive meaningful change.
Unified Platform
An end-to-end footprint solution has replaced the need for external consultants and spreadsheet work. One platform provides a single source of truth for the entire organisation.
3 Key Benefits of Using AQ
- Real-Time Intelligence: Current data enables immediate action. No more estimates or guesswork—just accurate information driving smart decisions.
- Efficient Reporting: Streamlined regulatory reporting frees resources for emission reduction initiatives.
- Integrated Partnership: Experience true collaboration with industry experts who become part of your team.
