Sodexo UK & Ireland’s forward-thinking and collaborative net zero supply chain engagement strategy has been recognised at two prestigious, national awards for sustainability excellence, the Reuters Sustainability Awards and the National Sustainability awards.
With 34% of its scope 3 emissions arising from its 4,000 supply chain, Sodexo’s net zero supply chain engagement strategy provides a framework for its supply partners to undertake key steps showing tangible progress to decarbonise before 2030.
Sodexo’s work with suppliers on reducing carbon emissions started a number of years ago and in 2022 it began work on formalising its approach. Sodexo first made its supply partners aware of the strategy in March 2023 at its Partners with Purpose supplier conference before finalising the strategy and roadmap for deployment later that year.
While Sodexo is being very clear with its supply partners about expectations, the business is also offering considerable support where these organisations are experiencing challenges, to help them complete the work needed to hit the milestones.
Sodexo’s supplier mentoring programme is key to the success of its strategy. Around 40% of Sodexo’s supply chain in the UK and Ireland is made up of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs), most of which cannot be expected to have teams dedicated to sustainability or afford consultancy support. Built into its strategy is a two-year grace period for SMEs and VCSEs needing extra help to complete the requirements.
Lisa Fisher, Director of Supply Management, Sodexo UK & Ireland says: “We are delighted that the work with our supply partners to reduce carbon emissions collaboratively has been recognised at these prestigious awards.
“The response from our supply partners has been extremely positive with many having already submitted their carbon reduction plans and seeking guidance through our mentoring programme which we are pleased to say now includes support from a number of like-minded large organisations.
“We continue to work closely with our supply partners to meet the milestones within the strategy and we thank them all for their continued support and engagement. This strategy demonstrates how at Sodexo we are going beyond target setting and making commitments to supporting a whole economy transition.”
Sodexo, in partnership with FuturePlanet, has created 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 was awarded the Supply Chain Decarbonisation award at the Reuters Sustainability Awards and the Supply Chain Initiative award at the National Sustainability Awards.
