Future-focused solutions that take innovation to new heights
The innovative mindset has always been a part of Sodexo’s DNA. We are continually incorporating forward-thinking technologies into the way we deliver our services; read on to learn more about some of the initiatives we’ve put in place that will have the greatest impact for the planet and our client and customer experience.
Ensuring sustainability remains a priority
At Sodexo, we know we have a critical role to play in reducing the impact of our operations on the environment. By continually reviewing, exploring, and trialling the latest technologies across our services, we can further develop our delivery offer while creating positive benefits for the planet.
One area we have invested in addressing is single-use plastics across our sites, with several of our clients adopting the Longopac continuous bag system. Recently trialled throughout the Transport for London (TFL) and two of HMRC’s Regional Centres, these bin liners are much more efficient than traditional bin bags. The unique frame houses up to 160m of continuous liner, which can be divided by staff using a built-in cutter whenever it makes sense, using only the necessary amount of plastic.
Taking only 20 seconds to change, less time is spent transporting waste around sites, and as they are four times stronger than traditional bags, there is never a need to double-bag waste. The fact that they are also made from 50% recycled material and are only half as thick as a traditional waste bag also gives them a much smaller carbon footprint.
Data collected from the Baker Street TFL site over 12 weeks showed 1,135 fewer metres of liner were used, saving 75kg of plastic and reducing carbon emissions by 306kg. Based on average yearly bag usage across the TFL contract, this should save an estimated 23 tonnes of CO2e.
At present, one-third of the world’s food goes to waste. This results in a contribution of 8-10% of global greenhouse gases, through the production, transportation and rotting of food. But the connection between food waste and carbon emissions is not getting the recognition it deserves, which is why we’re committed to reducing our food waste 50% by 2025. Sodexo's WasteWatch initiative collects real-time data to make it easy for teams to implement the operational and behavioural changes needed to reduce waste produced by our kitchens or thrown away.
The WasteWatch programme is being implemented across Sodexo Government’s HMRC sites in 2023, but so far, the initiative has prevented over 437 tonnes of food waste in the UK, equivalent to 844,600 meals. It’s also enabled us to cut over 3,230 metric tonnes of carbon emissions (data accurate in May 2022).
Data-driven futures
We’re always looking at how new technology can offer data-driven solutions. That’s because new ways to gather information on how and when services are used, combined with feedback from those who use them, ultimately results in better services.
For example, we’ve been developing a real-time customer feedback platform to facilitate better reporting. The new system allows user feedback to be provided in written, audio or video form and features digital surveys, data collection, and advanced analytics. The introduction of video feedback is particularly important as it removes the ambiguity and effort that can come from written comments.
By analysing and categorising responses immediately, the platform offers instant reports that allow on-site teams to resolve issues quickly. When looked at on a larger scale over a longer timescale, this data can be used by business analysts and stakeholders to help us adapt our offer to suit clients' overall needs. Sodexo Government's Insight & Research Manager Richard McGimpsey has a significant footprint in Government insights and Defence research and 18 years of experience as a market & social researcher.
My role within Sodexo Government is to gather and analyse insight and research relevant to our customer base and clients, enabling us to make customer-driven, market-leading decisions.
Richard McGimpsey, Sodexo Government's Insight & Research Manager
Sodexo draws on the expertise of a team of data scientists to support client decision-making, and we have recently extended this approach to our own employees through the launch of DatAcademy; an online employee training programme. This is helping colleagues to understand the importance of data and how significant our digital transformation is for improving the customer experience. This programme complements our decades of experience in the government sector, and will ensure we have a sound framework on which to build services fit for the future.
We’re also continually looking at how we can implement the latest technology across our cleaning services. Whether with cleaning robots or occupancy sensors, we use digital tools to support our colleagues in providing the best service. Out-with cutting-edge digital solutions, we have also implemented chemical-free cleaning across several contracts, including HMRC and Avon and Somerset Police - making eco-friendly, safe and sustainable cleaning our guiding principle across these estates.
Our specialist workplace teams are focussed on developing workplace design and employee-centric strategies and service offer adaptions, to better meet the changing needs of customers. Contactless service solutions, collaborative and hub-style workspaces, and public space planning are just some of the innovations Sodexo has deployed with clients to help them plan and co-design spaces suitable for every scenario.
Innovation at pace
Sodexo has long been an insights-led organisation, using feedback from (and knowledge about) our customers to inform our services and approach. In 2020, when the pandemic struck, our teams at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) developed a click-and-collect service to deliver food safely and conveniently to staff. Being able to pick up food at a time suited to them and at a safe distance, meant workers could enjoy food yet still carry out their essential roles effectively and without harm.
Sodexo has been a breath of fresh air from the word go. They have a level of professionalism, advice, and support that we've never witnessed before. Rather than us being asked to come forward with our own solutions, the Sodexo team came in and made recommendations that could solve our issues for us.
Iain Morris, Acting Director of Asset Management at Scottish Fire & Rescue
Our team at the Scottish Parliament has also delivered a number of innovations to help increase customer satisfaction and reduce the environmental impact of the site. We have introduced reusable plastic food boxes and removed single-use cutlery, and sold 120 reusable cups at our on-site coffee shop. Other innovations have seen us work with local suppliers to provide tastings and demonstrations, cook up a delicious Parliament shortbread, and introduce a monthly newsletter full of fun facts, menu tips and customer feedback.
On-site services of the future
Our teams are continually collaborating on-site and with the wider business to come up with new solutions underpinned by operational experience. Our dynamic feedback systems allow us to continually improve our services, whether that be through reducing our food waste or implementing new waste disposal systems. We’re proud of the positive difference our frontline teams make to building a better everyday, and we're passionate about continuing to develop the on-site services of the future.
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