The global services company is embedding green skills within its workforce, providing training and learning opportunities for its people at all stages of their career journey through a dedicated training centre.
Sodexo says green skills are vital for businesses transitioning to net zero and refer to the capabilities that enable individuals to contribute to sustainable development and address pressing environmental challenges, such as climate change.
A recent Skills England report identified that two in five workers will play a central role in supporting the transition to net zero. Currently, the demand for green skills is growing faster than the supply.
Sodexo already has a sustainable learning pathway in place, through which 71% of its senior leaders and on-site managers have completed the green skills training so far. It is partnering with IEMA to establish a dedicated training centre which will enable individuals to access the skills training necessary to drive the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Claire Atkins Morris, sustainability director at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “Spotlighting on green skills goes beyond meeting our own commitments. It empowers our employees and partners, including clients and suppliers, to make a meaningful impact. As we advance towards our net zero target, we recognise the crucial role our workforce plays in transforming our operations.
“We cannot achieve this without every role within the organisation recognising the part they play in adapting and transitioning. By investing in green skills, whether through training and upskilling, we are not only future-proofing our business but also contributing to a sustainable future for the communities we serve.”
In 2021 having reached its target to reduce GHG by 34% by 2025, Sodexo UK & Ireland set out a comprehensive roadmap to net zero 2040.
In January 2024 Sodexo reported it was ahead of schedule having achieved a 37% reduction in absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across scopes 1, 2 and 3, compared to its baseline year of 2017.