Sodexo and Copper8 make sustainability measurable

Sodexo is one of the first organisations worldwide to commit to working towards Net Zero business operations by 2040.

2025: our CO2 emissions reduced by 34% (vs. 2017)

Through, among other things, combating food waste, a more extensive plant-based offering, energy conservation measures, circular waste streams and responsible procurement, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2 from both ourselves and our clients. But where can clients make the most impact and how do you make this measurable?

Demarcate

Marloes van der Have, Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility: ‘Consulting firm Copper8 is helping us map out the sustainability impact across a broad spectrum for our client APG in EDGE Amsterdam West, one of the most sustainable office buildings in Europe. They are also giving us advice on how to reduce this impact. This is how we are determining what we need to focus on in order to make the most impact.’

Marijn Polet, Consultant at Copper8: ‘Creating a complete picture of sustainability impact is about demarcating. Instead of measuring everything, you identify the key issues for this particular client and the associated indicators. For example, we use special databases which list the CO2 impact for each product, from croissants to milk.

In addition to CO2, APG and Sodexo want to know the environmental impact on other categories, for which a diverse range of data needs to be collected in order to determine this. Take fruit and vegetables, for example: what is purchased and how much? Where does it come from and how is it produced? With the answers to these questions, we can arrive at a better picture of what the environmental impact of fruit and vegetables is, such as how much land or water is needed during cultivation. Based on these insights, measures can be taken by buying locally and seasonally, for example.’

Bottom-up

Copper8’s methodology is based on the motto ‘show, imitate, do it yourself’. Marijn: ‘At APG, we work with a multidisciplinary team of Sodexo employees from the various services. How many cleaning products are used and how often, what are the purchasing data, what appliances are in the kitchen? By really getting to work bottom-up and involving everyone, we simultaneously create assurance within the organisation.’

Systemic view

Marloes believes Copper8 stands out for its systemic view. ‘They look beyond just determining the CO2 emissions. For example, by advising us on how we could set up a fully circular food service model. Or by helping come up with financial incentives to reward sustainability or ways to enshrine sustainability in service contracts.’

Result

The whole process of measuring and setting up a dashboard will lead to a business model that will also be used with other clients, Marloes says. ‘Measuring CSR performance is becoming increasingly important in the coming years. This partnership allows us to really present our clients with the facts and provide them with independent advice on priorities and what does and doesn’t work to achieve their sustainability goals.’ Marijn: ‘Sustainability too often remains an abstract concept; sometimes all kinds of projects are started but nobody knows the exact data. By making data insightful and tangible in a way that is easy for clients and employees, you start achieving real results and the impact becomes much greater.’

EDGE Amsterdam West

Sodexo provides the coffee bar, restaurant services, event facilities, banqueting, reception and service point in this sustainable building. Sodexo developed services with the lowest possible CO2 emissions especially for EDGE Amsterdam West. Read more