Starbucks to open sustainability lab

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

Starting in fall 2023, the lab will offer the first wave of educational programming to select Arizona State University (ASU) students and Starbucks employees. The first wave will leverage ASU’s educational technology and faculty to offer an expanded student experience, including study abroad opportunities tied to existing sustainability-related ASU degree programs. The Starbucks lab is expected to physically open within the next three years.

Hacienda Alsacia, the company’s first and only company-owned and operated coffee farm, is dedicated exclusively to research and development. Starbucks uses the facility to create new coffee varieties, test disease-resistant coffee trees, and develop and share sustainable agricultural practices.

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