Subway sustainability score: 21/100

Subway publishes no Scope 1 or Scope 2 emissions data. With ~37,000 restaurants globally, operational emissions from energy use across this vast estate are substantial—estimated in the 1,000,000+ tonne range. The company states it is 'studying' measurement methods, not measuring.

Zero published Scope 3 emissions data. Subway's supply chain spans agriculture (beef, chicken, pork, soy, palm oil), processing, and logistics across 100+ countries. The company acknowledges supply chain links to forests and water but provides no quantification of emissions impact.

Subway has never published an emissions baseline or trajectory. U.S. footprint shrank from 27,000+ locations in 2015 to ~20,133 in 2023, likely reducing some operational emissions, but without measurement, no trajectory can be assessed. International expansion now underway.

Subway standardized LED lighting and ENERGY STAR-rated equipment across new and remodeled restaurants. However, no renewable energy strategy, no RE100 membership, and no energy procurement policy exist. ~37,000 restaurants remain entirely fossil-grid-dependent.

Subway sources RSPO palm oil, achieved 100% cage-free eggs in North America and Europe, and sources certified skipjack tuna. However, no TNFD disclosure, no quantified nature footprint, no verified deforestation-free commitment. Supply chain exposure to biodiversity risk through meat and agricultural sourcing remains high and unaddressed.

Subway removed salad bowls made from 95% post-consumer recycled materials, banned expanded polystyrene and PFAS packaging, and removed 1.2 million kg single-use plastic from European supply chain by end 2022. Recycling bins available but not mandatory. No measurable circular economy targets or public waste data.

Subway standardized low-flow faucets, reportedly saving ~277 million gallons annually. However, no quantified water footprint, no published targets, and no supply chain water risk assessment. Massive agricultural supply chain carries significant embedded water impact that is unaddressed.

Subway has no SBTi commitment, no validated emissions reduction targets, and no net-zero or carbon neutrality goal. Language is entirely aspirational: 'aspires to reduce,' 'studying,' 'strive.' For a ~37,000-location global brand, absence of quantified environmental targets is exceptional.

Subway publishes no sustainability or ESG report, no TCFD, CSRD, or CDP disclosure. Sustainability information limited to vague website pages with no quantitative data. No dedicated sustainability role, no board-level climate governance, no accountability mechanism. Critics note the plan 'puts burden on franchisees.'

Friends of the Earth campaigned against Subway's sourcing of meat from factory farms using routine antibiotics. World Animal Protection reported in 2024 that Subway maintained low broiler welfare standards despite a 2017 commitment. Aspirational language without binding commitments or enforcement constitutes greenwashing.