DeepSummary
In this episode of Climate Changers, Judy Panayos, the Senior Director of Sustainability and Supply Management at Sodexo, discusses Sodexo's approach to sustainability and corporate responsibility. She explains how Sodexo's sustainability roadmap focuses on three impacts - individuals, communities, and the environment - and three roles - as an employer, service provider, and corporate citizen.
Panayos highlights the importance of responsible sourcing in achieving Sodexo's climate and environmental goals, as the supply chain accounts for 49% of their carbon footprint. She talks about strategies such as increasing sales of lower-impact foods, creating crave-worthy plant-based or plant-forward dishes, and working with suppliers to reduce their carbon footprints.
Panayos also discusses Sodexo's involvement in regenerative agriculture, working with startups in areas like hydroponic growing and bioplastic production from food waste, and the importance of collaborating with various stakeholders to drive collective action and systemic change in the food system.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Sodexo's approach to sustainability focuses on three impacts (individuals, communities, and the environment) and three roles (employer, service provider, and corporate citizen).
- Responsible sourcing and influencing consumer behavior towards lower-impact foods are crucial for reducing Sodexo's supply chain carbon footprint.
- Sodexo is involved in promoting regenerative agriculture practices and collaborating with stakeholders to set standards in the field.
- Sodexo works with startups and innovative solutions, such as hydroponic growing and bioplastic production from food waste, to drive sustainable practices.
- Collaboration across the value chain and with peers is essential for driving systemic change in the food system towards sustainability.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has increased consumer awareness of food waste, presenting an opportunity for promoting behavioral change.
- Sodexo supports small and medium-sized producers through its supply chain inclusion program, providing resources and mentorship.
- Sodexo works with clients to align their sustainability goals, offering services like utility management and renewable energy solutions.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Honestly, one company can't solve for this. In working collectively, we look to not only work with our peers, but also with the whole value chain.“ by Judy Panayos
- “Covid has created an awareness in people around the waste that we have, because people are eating more and more at home and putting their own garbage out, as opposed to throwing it out wherever they happen to be roaming that day.“ by Judy Panayos
- “When it comes to regenerative agriculture, one of the biggest challenges that we have is how do you know what's credible? How do you know what's really going to make a difference? There aren't standards in this space yet.“ by Judy Panayos
- “The biggest project right now is in Northern California. In looking at converting growers and ranchers to these more regenerative practices.“ by Judy Panayos
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Episode Information
Climate Changers
Ryan Flahive
2/12/21