Environmental management

To this end, we are setting up procedures, implementing measures, obtaining certifications and labels, and in an increasing number of cases, applying for certification under the international environmental management standard, ISO 14001. As part of this process, we are conducting environmental risk analyses and carbon audits, as well as implementing environment management systems and environmental office systems.

Many programs are already being deployed around the world and managed at the local level. Our Group objective, however, is to expand the reach of our global umbrella programs.

 ISO 14001 Certification 

We have received ISO 14001 certification at several sites, reflecting the environmental progress made by our subsidiaries. ISO 14001 certification has been obtained at sites in 16 countries:

Finland
All Sodexo sites and headquarters are using an Environmental Management System that has received ISO 14001 certification. This environmental policy includes providing safe and healthy food, with sound purchasing and logistics; reducing energy and water consumption; sorting waste for recovery and recycling; hygiene and cleaning; communication and training and work safety and well-being. The system is audited both internally and externally. 2,500 Sodexo employees and people working on our clients' sites benefit from the program.

 Awareness and training efforts

Developing awareness is of critical importance in disseminating responsible environmental behavior.

North America
In 2007, Sodexo will focus its environmental sustainability efforts on the training program, The Future is in Our Hands: PLANit. The intention is to increase employee awareness of the ways in which we can effect change in our world. Armed with knowledge of cutting edge technology and training designed specially for managers and frontline employees, Sodexo's workforce will be well equipped to address requests from our clients and customers for environmentally-friendly food, products, and processes.

We have committed to training an initial 350 people: all Sales Executives and all Senior Vice President and District Managers on the education segment. The second step of this process will be to cascade to all General Managers depending on the clients' needs, potentially involving 1,500 people.

 Partnering with stakeholders

In line with our global policy, we are also multiplying partnerships with our clients and civil society to find solutions to benefit the environment. Sodexo participates in institutional projects and partners with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and associations, in many regions of the world. We favor partnerships with suppliers and producers who show concern for the environment.