Bob Langert, McDonald's Global Sustainability VP, said their sustainability efforts are based on collaborations within their respective industries.

"We want to do this right and to do it right we have to collaborate and get the right measures in place. We are determined to let science lead the way, but we are also determined to start purchasing (beef) in 2016."

When asked where McDonald's would purchase their first pound of sustainable beef, Langert said McDonald's has activities in every part of the world. He praised Canada, the US, Ireland, Australia and Brazil for their sustainability progress and the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef for their leadership.

To read more about McDonald's sustainability efforts, click here.