Sodexo targets net-zero value chain by 2045

Food and facilities service firm Sodexo has unveiled new climate commitments to reach net-zero by 2045, with a new interim target to reaching carbon-neutral operations also set for 2025.


Sodexo targets net-zero value chain by 2045

The company

Sodexo has unveiled a new roadmap to reaching net-zero emissions across its UK and Ireland business and value chain.

The company, which provides a diverse range of services to large business and public sector clients, has exceeded science-based targets to reduce emissions by 34% by 2025 against a 2017 baseline ahead of schedule.

Now, the company, which employs more than 30,000 people, will aim to become carbon neutral across its direct operations by 2025.

This will enable Sodexo to then reach net-zero emissions across all three Scopes by 2045. This includes a target to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030 and remove 90% of emissions across all three scopes – accounting for suppliers and client sites as well as operations – in order to reach the 2045 target.

Sodexo’s UK and Ireland chairman Sean Haley said: “The commitments we make today are the culmination of an extraordinary amount of work from our world-class team of sustainability experts. Their unswerving dedication to developing, not just a set of targets, but a detailed action plan to achieve them, gives me absolute confidence in our future ability to not just meet but to exceed our net-zero goals.

“This will enable us to continue to support and improve the communities in which we live, work and serve.”

Sodexo has confirmed several steps to reach net-zero. This includes the launch of an electric vehicle (EV) company car policy, continued membership of the RE100 initiative to procure 100% renewable electricity by 2022 and switching to 100% reusable, recyclable and compostable packaging by 2025.

Additionally, Sodexo will increase the number of plant-based meals and recipes it offers clients to 33% by 2025 and will reduce food waste by 50% in the same timeframe.

Sodexo will work with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to gain validation for these new ambitions, with a decision expected early next year.

Sodexo has been working with SBTi as one of 80 companies chosen to road test the target validation criteria and guidance for SBTi’s upcoming Net-Zero Standard, which is set to launch later this month.

The SBTi issued its first guidance on net-zero targets in September last year.

The Foundations for Science-Based Net-Zero Target Setting in the Corporate Sector paper was released by the SBTi, which consists of representatives from CDP, UN Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI) and WWF. The paper was created following consultation with businesses, financial organisation, conservation organisations and the scientific community.

The paper is the first step in an effort to ensure that corporate net-zero targets are aligned to climate science and efforts to deliver a net-zero world by no later than 2050.

Matt Mace

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