Catering giant has a longstanding focus on sustainability initiatives
Sodexo UK & Ireland has been named Sustainable Business of the Year at leading hospitality awards the Cateys.
The Sustainable Business Award recognises a company that has taken the most innovative steps to minimise their impact on the environment, while contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, embedding sustainability within its operations.
Judges highlighted Sodexo’s efforts in reducing supply chain emissions and halving food waste, setting a benchmark for sustainability in the industry and collaborating widely to deliver continuous improvement.
Comments from the judges included: “Sodexo continues to inspire others to follow, delivering real impact at scale” and “an incredibly comprehensive submission showing the breadth of initiatives being actioned and the clear scale of the impact the changes can have”.
Sodexo noted that it has been working to actively decarbonise its operations since 2010, securing early validation from the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and embedding a net-zero culture.
Its collaborative approach includes its net-zero supply chain engagement strategy; galvanising client and stakeholder support through its Appetite for Action campaign and the thriving community of practice; as well as employee green skills training, culinary competitions focusing on sustainable meals, and motivating customers to make informed sustainable food choices with carbon labelling and programmes that nudge guests towards sustainable options.
Sustainable food is central to Sodexo’s menus in every setting, the company stressed. For example, its Modern Recipe workplace offer has been curated with sustainability at its core, featuring plant-forward menus full of seasonal ingredients, with pop-up events frequently held showcasing locally-sourced products.
Earlier this year Sodexo’s schools business was recognised as one of the country’s leading providers of healthy, sustainable school meals in the first-ever School Contract Caterer Ranking by ProVeg, with Sodexo in second place and its subsidiary Alliance in Partnership fourth.
Claire Atkins Morris, sustainability director at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this award. The Cateys attract entries from a wide range of hospitality businesses who are doing amazing sustainability work.
“As a purpose-led business we are committed to working towards net zero, further embedding sustainability into our operations and creating greater social mobility and opportunities for all. The breadth of our business and services can be a challenge to recording our impact and taking actions, but our values and commitment to improving quality of life ensures we maintain momentum.”
