Sodexo reduces supply chain GHG emissions

​Sodexo UK & Ireland’s latest net zero progress report reveals the positive impact of its award-winning net zero supply chain engagement strategy with a 31.8 per cent reduction in its supply chain GHG emissions against its 2017 baseline.

The report outlines the significant progress Sodexo has made for the period 1 June 2023 and 31 May 2024 achieving a 23.4 per cent reduction in absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions against its 2017 baseline.

Sodexo continues to follow the science in its efforts to reach net zero by 2040 and in line with best practices Sodexo has restated its GHG emissions to reflect improvements in data quality and improved calculation methodologies, ensuring its reporting is accurate and transparent, enhancing credibility and trust among stakeholders.

The report reveals how Sodexo’s collaborative approach with supply chain partners, clients and employees along with its continued focus on delivering sustainable food solutions and low carbon meals has positively impacted its scope 3 emissions with an overall reduction of 22.8 per cent compared to 2017. This includes:

• Supply chain GHG emissions have reduced by 31.8 per cent compared to its 2017 baseline, reflecting the positive impact of Sodexo’s award-winning net zero supply chain engagement strategy which combines guidance, collaboration and mentorship. Ninety-five per cent of in-scope Sodexo supply partners are fully engaged with the programme.
• Client and operational waste GHG emissions have decreased by 38.6 per cent, surpassing the company’s short-term target. The most significant reduction was in packaging, as single-use disposable packaging was removed from operations, and in the year ending May 2024 alone 375.3 tonnes of food waste have been prevented through the use of Sodexo’s WasteWatch programme.
• It has achieved its target of its menus including 33 per cent of plant-based dishes by 31 August 2025 way ahead of schedule.
• It has reduced the total volume of animal proteins by 43 per cent (40.4 per cent reduction in GHG emissions).
• Total volume of beef has been reduced by 51 per cent (56.8 per cent reduction in GHG emissions).

Sodexo’s latest data shows that in the UK and Ireland it has:

• Surpassed its short-term target for scopes 1 and 2 with a reduction of 53.8 per cent against its 2025 target of 34 per cent. Vehicle electrification and procuring 100 per cent renewable electricity contributed to this reduction and brings Sodexo close to achieving its 55 per cent reduction target for 2030.
• Achieved a 23.4 per cent reduction in absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions, removing 195,000 tCO2e.
• Reduced carbon intensity by 35.5 per cent; a 4.7 per cent decrease on 2023. Carbon intensity is the measurement of emissions per unit of revenue demonstrating that despite increasing in its operational activities Sodexo is emitting less GHG emissions.

Sodexo continues to integrate green skills into its core operations recognising the critical role of every employee in addressing climate change. By the end of August 2024, 71 per cent of its senior leaders and on-site managers had completed green skills training.

To advance this Sodexo has partnered with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) as an official training centre to provide relevant sustainability training to its employees across all career stages. It is also able to extend this training to its clients and supply partners, helping them equip their employees with valuable green skills training.

Claire Atkins Morris, Sustainability Director, Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “Making a positive impact is core to our purpose, and in 2025 we mark 15 years of ambitious and transparent climate action. Since our last progress report we have improved the quality GHG emission data, bringing the action required into sharper focus. In line with best practice, we have restated our emissions reduction figures and will continue to share our data and our progress openly.

“We know through our data that food systems account for a considerable proportion of our carbon footprint which is why sourcing sustainably and tackling food waste are key levers in our net zero transition plan.

“This work is not easy, but through our focus on key impact areas we are making good progress. Looking ahead, our focus is on ever-closer collaboration with our supply chain, our clients, our partners and the wider industry; and through our investment in green skills training and upskilling we are not only future-proofing our business but also contributing to a sustainable future for the communities we serve.”