Synergy Climate Action Partner: Big Wheel Burger
Industry
Food & Beverage Processing
Website
Synergy Climate Action Partner Since
July, 2025
Big Wheel Burger is committed to driving meaningful climate action through transparency, measurable outcomes, and sector leadership. As a Synergy Climate Action Partner, they are actively working through the five-phase framework to reduce emissions and lead by example.
Climate Action Progress
Commit
- Publicly committed to meaningful climate action
- Commitment Policy signed by Yann Frizon de Lamotte, Managing Director
Measure
- Completed and publicly disclosed annual GHG inventory
This Year (2024) (tCO2e)
Previous Year (tCO2e)
Scope 1
194
136
Scope 2
6.4
6.03
Scope 3
2,785
1,579
Total Emissions
2,985
1,721
Scope 1
This Year (2024) (tCO2e): 194
Previous Year (tCO2e): 136
Scope 2
This Year (2024) (tCO2e): 6.4
Previous Year (tCO2e): 6.03
Scope 3
This Year (2024) (tCO2e): 2,785
Previous Year (tCO2e): 1,579
Total Emissions
This Year (2024) (tCO2e): 2,985
Previous Year (tCO2e): 1,721
- Scope 3 Categories: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9
- The scope of the 2024 measurement expanded to include all food purchases, capital goods, and the downstream impacts of food delivery services.
- Note: All Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions measurements are aligned with the GHG Protocol and ISO 14001 best practices.
Plan
- Longstanding Commitment to Climate Action: Big Wheel Burger has been measuring its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since 2011, demonstrating a sustained commitment to understanding and addressing its environmental impact. Big Wheel has set a reduction target of 40% over 2024 levels by 2035.
- Expanded Scope of Carbon Accounting: In 2024, Big Wheel broadened the scope of its GHG inventory to include all material emission sources across its operations. This marks a significant step forward in climate leadership and establishes a comprehensive new baseline year of 2024.
- Decarbonization Roadmap Developed: In 2022, Synergy Enterprises created a Level I Decarbonization Strategy, identifying actionable opportunities to reduce emissions across Big Wheel Burger’s facilities and operations.
- Core Focus – Improving Energy Efficiency: Big Wheel is now focusing its decarbonization efforts on restaurant operations, equipment, and improving energy efficiency.
Implement
- Pioneers in Compostable Packaging: As one of the first restaurants in the region to fully adopt compostable packaging, Big Wheel introduced zero-trash customer areas. When these materials weren’t available locally, Big Wheel partnered directly with suppliers to bring them in, creating a ripple effect that now benefits hundreds of restaurants across British Columbia.
- Near-Zero Waste Operations: Big Wheel diverts nearly all of its in-house waste through comprehensive recycling and composting programs. This includes items that are often difficult to recycle, such as soft plastics, cartons, and Styrofoam.
- Receipts Paper: Receipts are printed on EcoChit paper, 100% recyclable, phenol-free, and responsibly sourced, minimizing harmful chemicals and landfill impact.
- Circular Oil Recovery: Big Wheel utilized used cooking oil from all locations from 2016 to 2024 to convert into renewable biodiesel in partnership with the Cowichan Bio-Diesel Co-op, supporting local circular economy initiatives. Big Wheel’s vans used this fuel till 2024 before upgrading to EVs.
- Electric Vehicle Upgrades: Big Wheel’s electric delivery van (purchased in 2024) serves customers across Greater Victoria.
- Local Sourcing: Big Wheel prioritizes local suppliers across its menu, including:
- Fresh buns from Irene’s Bakery
- Bacon from Berryman Brothers Butchery
- Sauces and seasonings from Island Chef Pepper Co.
- Ice cream and milk from Island Farms
- Greens from Fed Urban Agriculture
- BC-raised beef
- Carbon offsets Details: Big Wheel Burger has purchased 2,875 carbon offsets between 2011 and 2023. Big Wheel Burger has invested in the following project that supports the conservation of old-growth forests.
- Great Bear Forest Carbon Project
- Location: British Columbia, Canada
- Project type: Reduction and avoidance
- This project protects millions of hectares of old-growth rainforest, reduces carbon emissions, and supports Indigenous-led stewardship. Proceeds from carbon credits fund conservation and community development in local First Nations
Lead & Influence
- Co-Founder of FED Urban Agriculture: Big Wheel Burger co-founded FED Urban Agriculture in partnership with Synergy Enterprises in 2013. FED (Food Eco District) is a non-profit that supports local food systems and urban greening initiatives across Victoria.
- Closed-Loop Composting and Urban Gardening: All of Big Wheel’s compostable packaging and food scraps are turned into high-quality compost that feeds FED’s community gardens. These gardens provide green space, help sequester carbon emissions, and supply herbs and greens used in Big Wheel kitchens.
- Support for Local Food and Social Programs: Through the Big Wheel Community Foundation, Big Wheel matches customer donations (for a total of 2%) to support food security and community wellness. All funds go directly to organizations such as:
- Victoria Hospice
- Our Place Society
- The Mustard Seed
- Loaves and Fishes
- The Rainbow Kitchen
- Comox Valley Food Bank
- Direct support to 10 families every month who have fallen through the cracks of the traditional social services system, ensuring consistent access to food and care.
Interested in becoming a Synergy Climate Action Partner?
Let’s make tangible climate action happen.
