From hidden costs to societal impacts: How can true cost accounting transform value chains? Evidence from a coffee case study

Transformations towards more sustainable food systems are needed to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The True Cost Accounting for Food approach can inform transformative actions through a systemic assessment of external environmental, social and health impacts and benefits. This article presents the societal impact of research conducted on the true cost of coffee in Switzerland which led to a change towards more sustainable coffee supply in the EPFL campus, a Swiss University, and beyond. This research contributes to the achievement of all SDGs to varying degrees, but especially SDG 12 & 8: Responsible Consumption and Production, and Decent Work and Economic Growth, respectively.