Workplace catering and services provider Sodexo UK&I has set a target to be carbon neutral by 2025 and laid out a roadmap to be net zero by 2045.
Details
Sodexo stated, "Sodexo has announced a comprehensive roadmap to net zero and decarbonisation of the business in the UK and Ireland. The organisation, which provides a diverse range of services to large business and public sector clients, has been working with international experts, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), to ensure that its net zero strategy is thorough, impactful and transparent.
"Sodexo's original Group target - validated by SBTi - to reduce carbon emissions by 34% by 2025 (against a 2017 baseline) formed part of Sodexo's Better Tomorrow commitment. Having already exceeded this, the UK&I business - which employs more than 30,000 people - will now set its sights on becoming Carbon Neutral in its direct operations by 2025.
"The next step on Sodexo UK&I's roadmap will be to reduce carbon emissions across all three scopes by 55% by 2030. This includes every single component of the business' operations across scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
"The final step announced is a decarbonisation of the entire business, with 90% of all carbon emissions cut across all three scopes - accounting for suppliers and client sites, not just direct operations. This long-term target will be achieved no later than 2045.
"Sean Haley, Chairman, Sodexo UK and Ireland said, 'The commitments we make today are the culmination of an extraordinary amount of work from our world-class team of sustainability experts. Their unswerving dedication to developing, not just a set of targets, but a detailed action plan to achieve them, gives me absolute confidence in our future ability to not just meet but to exceed our net zero goals. This will enable us to continue to support and improve the communities in which we live, work and serve.'
"Claire Atkins-Morris Director of Corporate Responsibility, Sodexo UK & Ireland said, 'Not all net zero commitments are created equal. This is a hugely complex topic, and it has been critically important to us throughout the process of creating this carbon reduction roadmap that we are committing to something that is truly meaningful, and that we are absolutely transparent in this.
"'It may seem cautious, but we want to be crystal clear in how we are tackling climate change, setting an achievable target that we can be confident we can monitor and measure. We would rather be conservative today and exceed our goals tomorrow - and this is what our roadmap ensures.'
"At the heart of Sodexo's roadmap to net zero is the aim to reduce its own carbon footprint, leaving a maximum of 10% emissions, before neutralising the impact of any source of residual emissions that cannot be eliminated through permanent carbon dioxide removals.
"Sodexo's carbon reduction plan, which will enable the organisation to achieve these goals, includes:
- "The launch of a new 100% hybrid and electric vehicle company car policy in Ireland by 2022
- "Ongoing membership of the Climate Group’s RE100 initiative and procuring 100% renewable electricity by 2022.
- "Switching to 100% reusable, recyclable and compostable packaging by 2025.
- "Increasing the number of plant-based meals and recipes to 33% by 2025
- "Tackling food waste at all appropriate sites through our WasteWatch powered by LeanPath programme and reducing food waste by 50% by 2025.
- "A thorough responsible sourcing strategy that facilities better working with suppliers
- "Working with clients to achieve net zero collaboratively."
Additional Information
Sodexo added, "As a corporate citizen, Sodexo has for over 50 years placed the responsibility to protect the planet at the forefront of our operational strategy; mindfully conducting our business to create a positive impact on the planet, but also on our people, for our partners and in the places where we operate."
© 2021 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
