Sodexo named finalist in three top sustainability awards

Sodexo UK & Ireland has been shortlisted in seven categories across three prestigious, national awards for sustainability excellence this autumn. The business has been recognised for its work towards net zero including its supplier engagement strategy and for its Starting Fresh initiative to encourage employers to consider ex-offenders when recruiting.

Sodexo UK & Ireland is a finalist in the following awards and categories, winners will be announced in early October and late November.

Reuters Sustainability Awards
• Net Zero: Leadership Award
• Net Zero: Supply Chain Decarbonisation Award
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award

National Sustainability Awards
• Supply Chain Initiative of the Year
• Carbon Reduction Programme

edie awards
• Net-Zero Strategy of the Year   
• Supply Chain Decarbonisation Project of the Year 

This recognition reflects Sodexo’s purposeful approach to delivering its food, hospitality and FM services, ensuring its growth and operations are sustainable and positively impact the communities in which it operates.

Sodexo has been actively addressing climate change for over a decade, partnering with WWF to measure and reduce its carbon footprint. In 2022 Sodexo became the first foodservice business, and one of the first organisations globally, to have both near and long-term net zero targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)

In 2021 having reached its target to reduce GHG by 34% by 2025, Sodexo UK & Ireland set out a comprehensive roadmap to net zero 2040. In January 2024 Sodexo reported it was ahead of schedule having achieved a 37% reduction in absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across scopes 1, 2 and 3, compared to its baseline year of 2017. This reduction represents the removal of approximately 400,000 tonnes of carbon (tCO2e) from its footprint at 31 May 2023.

Sodexo’s continued focus on the decarbonisation of its business across its value chain is recognised through reaching the final stage of these leading sustainability awards.

With 99% of its GHG emissions generated from its operations on client sites and through its supply chain; therefore out of its direct control (scope 3), Sodexo acknowledges that collaboration with these two stakeholder groups is a key lever to reaching net zero by 2040.

Three of the award categories focus on supply chain decarbonisation and it is Sodexo’s forward-thinking and collaborative net zero supply chain engagement strategy which is the focus for these. 34% of its scope 3 emissions is from its supply chain comprising of more than 4,000 suppliers.

Work on the strategy began in 2022, with supply partners responding positively to the strategy, submitting carbon reduction plans and seeking guidance through Sodexo’s mentoring programme.

Knowledge sharing is also essential for progress. Sodexo, in partnership with FuturePlanet, launched a sustainability community of practice a unique platform bringing together sustainability leaders from diverse client and supplier organisations. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, they aim to collectively identify best practices, accelerate innovation, and achieve ambitious shared climate and nature goals.

The significant growth of the community of practice, attracting over 42 participants from 28 different clients and associates across various sectors, demonstrates a strong appetite for collaboration and transformation in the sustainability space.

Sodexo has also reached the finals for its Starting Fresh programme in the diversity, equity and inclusion category at the Reuters Sustainability awards. Sodexo is committed to promoting equitable opportunities, valuing diversity and creating inclusive workplaces. Starting Fresh, which was launched in March 2023, creating more career opportunities for people with convictions, an often overlooked group and a missed opportunity for UK private sector businesses experiencing recruitment challenges.

The programme was developed utilising Sodexo’s 30 years’ experience of running prisons and its focus on rehabilitating offenders through the provision of valuable skills training and qualifications whilst in prison. It offers businesses a range of resources to not only encourage employers to proactively recruit skilled and qualified people with convictions but also provides them with practical steps to follow.

Claire Atkins Morris, sustainability director, Sodexo UK & Ireland says: “Reaching the final of these prestigious awards is, of course, a source of great pride for us. Yet more importantly, it reinforces our belief that we are doing the right things, in the right ways to achieve the best possible outcomes for our colleagues, those we serve and the communities in which we operate.

“As a purpose-led business we are committed to working towards net zero, increasing the sustainability of our operations and creating greater social mobility and opportunities for all. We never lose sight of the fact that this can be a complex and difficult challenge. With multiple data sets and action levers across business activities it isn't easy but our commitment and values ensures we persevere. To be shortlisted is humbling and a testament to the work of our colleagues providing services to millions of people every day in a way that is responsible, caring and sustainable.”

• Sodexo’s 2024 social impact report provides a comprehensive overview of the actions Sodexo has taken over the last three years to create meaningful impact for its people, planet, places and partners. It showcases compelling data and case studies bringing to life the ways in which the business – in partnership with its clients and suppliers – has addressed a variety of societal challenges.