Environment

Responsible Sourcing

Sysco works with the Responsible Irish Fish Association to source fish which has been sourced in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner. Members have introduced techniques to ensure that only larger fish are retained while smaller fish and breeding females are released back into the sea, playing an important role in sustaining stock levels. They also participate in a ‘clean the seas’ initiative, whereby marine debris is collected and brought ashore.

Packaging

Sysco brand packaging is manufactured using a minimum of 35% post–consumer recycled material. In coming years, the proportion of post–consumer recycling packaging will increase.

Recycling

Sysco has implemented a company wide conservation and recycling programme, both in warehouse operations and in administration. Cardboard is retrieved from customer facilities at the point of delivery and is returned to the Sysco Depot and separated for recycling. All plastic and organic waste is also segregated for recycling.

All organic waste is segregated from general waste and is either recycled or disposed of appropriately through an approved licensed external food waste specialist contractor.

A truck wash water recycling plant has been installed at our main depot in Newcastle West to conserve water and reduce water usage.

Energy Conservation

In 2012, as part of a major environmental initiative by Sysco, new energy efficient lighting was installed in all our distribution warehouses, helping us to make a reduction of 12% in units (Kw/hr) from 2011. Timers and sensors are fitted on all our warehouse lighting in our three main distribution centres. Employees are also involved in our environmental campaign and are required to ensure that all computers and office lights are switched off when not in use. In our head offices in Newcastle West we source at least  50% of our electrical energy from renewable sources.

Waste effluent / Water treatment

Sysco operates a waste water (effluent) treatment plant under licence at our main depot in Newcastle West under the guidance of ANUA, an internationally recognised leader in the design, manufacture and installation of Clean Air and Clean Water solutions and part of Bord na Móna. The system is a highly efficient bio–filtration system used for the treatment of waste water effluent. Effluent distributed evenly over peat fibre, percolating to emerge as a clear, innocuous liquid. Treatment of the effluent within the system is achieved with a combination of physical, chemical and biological interactions between the waste water and the active specialised medium through which it is filtered.

Logistics

At Sysco we are continuously striving to improve on practices and achieve more efficiency in our processes. A central part of this involves driving logistics efficiencies, reducing fuel consumption and minimising our impact on the environment.

Sysco operates a modern fleet of 150 delivery vehicles. The newer vehicles are equipped with the latest environmentally efficient features, contributing to our goal to reduce emissions and minimise our impact on the environment. The company has an on–going truck replacement policy.

Our newer delivery vehicles feature:

• Euro 6 engines, which are cleaner burning to ensure lower emissions

• Stop/start technology, to reduce engine idle time and conserve fuel

• Quieter and more efficient refrigeration systems

• Tyres that allow for second– and third–life usage

• On board camera recording systems to increase public safety

• Software to train and monitor our drivers in best driving practices

Reducing Food Miles

Inbound and outbound efficiencies are integral to our logistics operating procedures. Our central distribution point in Newcastle West delivers consolidated orders to our seven regional distribution centres across Ireleand, which in turn break down the shipments and redistribute them to our customers. Delivery routing is reviewed periodically and managed to ensure optimum efficiency in vehicle usage.

A comprehensive back–haul programme has been introduced by our Transport Manager, which reduces ‘food miles’ for our suppliers. We use specialised computer software to better manage delivery driver hours in order to improve efficiency and ensure legal compliance at all times. All sales vehicles are either band A or B and are equipped with energy efficient tyres. We are currently trialling hybrid vehicles.

Sysco provides on–line and personal one–to–one training for sales and delivery vehicle drivers.

At Sysco we continually research new methods of reducing our impact on the environment.