Starbucks has announced plans to develop a new sustainability learning and innovation lab at Hacienda Alsacia, in Costa Rica – the company’s global agronomy headquarters for research and development. The lab will serve as a learning hub for employees, students, researchers and industry leaders to innovate and scale sustainable solutions for issues including climate adaption and agricultural economics.

Starting this Autumn, the lab will offer the first wave of educational programming to select Arizona State University students and Starbucks employees with the lab is expected to physically open within the next three years.

For over a decade, Starbuck’s Hacienda Alsacia site has focused on the sustainability of coffee. While the research and development at Hacienda Alsacia will continue, the lab will expand the capabilities and collaboration needed to cultivate positive social and environmental change beyond coffee.

“This is an opportunity for us to advance Starbucks environmental promise to give more than we take and our farmer promise to ensure the future of coffee for all,” said Laxman Narasimhan, Starbucks chief executive officer. “We know we cannot do this important work alone, and the possibilities in front of us to scale solutions, partner with thought leaders and serve as a global hub for innovation are limitless.”

Starbucks has a long-standing commitment to work alongside communities to become a resource positive company, including cutting its carbon, water and waste footprints in half by 2030.

“This is an exciting new chapter in our nearly decade-long partnership with Starbucks,” said Arizona State University President Michael Crow. “The new sustainability learning and innovation lab will expand on our collaboration together, working closely to tackle critical challenges with a collective commitment to seek new and sustainable approaches that impact global communities.”

For more information visit starbucks.com
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