Our comprehensive roadmap to net zero and complete decarbonisation

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We have been on our journey actively tackling our climate impacts for over a decade following our partnership with WWF who have supported us in measuring and reducing our carbon footprint.

We set a baseline in 2017 that covered not just our scope 1 and 2 direct operations, but all scope 3 categories across our value chain.

Scope 1 emissions relate to those emissions that we make directly, including the fuel we use in our vehicles and the heating of our offices. Scope 2 emissions refer to the indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, such as powering our offices. Scope 3 refers to all other indirect emissions that occur in our value chain, including supply chain, business travel, employee commuting, and client site energy and waste.

In 2023, we had both our near and long-term science-based targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), as we prioritise decarbonisation to reach net zero*. Our comprehensive regional roadmap and transition plan to reach net zero by 2040 outlines our targets and key actions. 

Our near-term target** is to reduce scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions by 55% by 2030 and we will reach net zero once we have achieved our long-term target*** of reducing scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions by 90% by 2040, with any remaining emissions neutralised.

We have seen our carbon footprint increase slightly as our operational levels transition and adapt post-pandemic. Overall, we have recorded a -33% reduction in FY22 across our scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions compared with our FY17 baseline. 

Image of the Sodexo UK&I Net Zero timeline

Download the Net Zero Journey (JPG)

* Sodexo commits to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by FY2045 from a FY2017 base year. 
** Sodexo commits to reduce absolute scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions 55% by FY2030 from a FY2017 base year. 
*** Sodexo commits to reduce absolute scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions 90% by FY2045 from a FY2017 base year.

We're on track to reach our targets

This update presents externally verified emissions data for the reporting year ending 31 May 2023.

 

Our progress report includes emissions across all our activities including our direct operations, our activity at client sites and our supply chain across the UK and Ireland.

 

We believe that being transparent about what we’ve done and what we’ve yet to do is vital to bringing others on the journey.

Download the report

Our carbon transition plan

Our Net Zero transition plan details how we will meet our climate goals, which includes:

  • The launch of a 100% hybrid and electric vehicle company car policy.
  • Ongoing membership of the Climate Group’s RE100 initiative and procuring 100% renewable electricity by the end of 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.

Our latest GHG (green house gas) emission data is available here. (updated December 2023).

Engaging our supply partners

We work with more than 400 supply partners in Ireland, spending over €70m with them every year. 
 

Initial research from November 2021 revealed that, of 87 suppliers polled, 62% had already made a commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2050 or sooner, while 20% did not have a Carbon Reduction Plan in place.
 

We are working closely with a number of our suppliers to support them in formalising and documenting expectations to reduce carbon emissions, using our net zero supply chain engagement strategy.

Download the roadmap
Net Zero supplier roadmap

Learn more about Sodexo UK Ireland’s Net Zero Supplier Engagement Strategy and hear from one of our SME supply partners, Atlantis of Kilmore Quay, about their net zero journey and how they have responded to the deadlines we have set. 

-33

%

reduction in FY22 across our scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions compared with our FY17 baseline