Sodexo UK & Ireland’s latest net zero progress report reveals the positive impact of implementing a net zero supply chain engagement strategy with the company reporting a 31.8 per cent reduction in its supply chain GHG emissions compared to its 2017 baseline.
The report from the foodservice and facility services provider outlines the significant progress it has made for the period 1 June 2023 and 31 May 2024 achieving a 23.4% 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% compared to 2017.
This includes:
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.-item
- wp:list-item
- Sodexo has achieved its target of its menus including 33% of plant-based dishes by 31 August 2025 way ahead of schedule. -item
- wp:list-item
- Additionally, it has reduced the total volume of animal proteins by 43% (40.4% reduction in GHG emissions). -item
- wp:list-item
- Total volume of beef has been reduced by 51% (56.8% reduction in GHG emissions). -item
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% against its 2025 target of 34%.
Vehicle electrification and procuring 100% renewable electricity contributed to this reduction and brings Sodexo close to achieving its 55% reduction target for 2030.
Achieved a 23.4% reduction in absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions has also removed 195,000 tCO2e, and reduced carbon intensity - a measurement of emissions per unit of revenue - by 35.5% which represents a 4.7% decrease on 2023.
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% of its senior leaders and on-site managers had completed green skills training.
A partnership with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) as an official training centre also provides relevant sustainability training to its employees across all career stages.
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.
Sodexo 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, tells FM Magazine: “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.”
Sodexo has been actively addressing climate change for over a decade, partnering with WWF to measure and reduce its carbon footprint.
In 2017 it set a baseline that covered not just its scope 1 and 2 direct operations, but all scope 3 categories across its value chain.
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).
