Sustainability
For the past three years, we’ve been a Carbon Neutral company. We’ve done so by offsetting emissions and
supporting low-carbon projects. While we are proud of the progress we have made, we believe we can achieve more
by prioritising the planet and working towards becoming a Net zero with the professional support of
Greenly.
With the support from Greenly, we are creating a sustainability strategy, which will include a detailed
action plan for how we will reach our targets for achieving environmental, financial, and societal
sustainability by 2030. Target and outline actions will be set for the the business, its employees, and its
suppliers in order to fully achieve our sustainability goals, in areas of energy use, transportation and
waste disposal.
Our vision is to be loved by chefs and known as the UK's most sustainable foodservice company.
Learn more about our exciting business plans here
WAREHOUSE
Bespoke, modern and fully insulated, solar panels are installed and the renewable energy generated is used to help run our warehouse including lighting and heating. We also use pozitive energy, a green energy supplier who supply 100% renewable electricity.
All of the shutter doors are electronic and automatically operated by sensors maintaining the correct temperatures throughout the building. Plastic curtains have also been installed to minimise temperature loss when the doors are open.
All the chillers and freezers within the warehouse use the latest technologies to minimise impact on the environment. Such as, evaporative coolers that help to optimise the air moisture and temperature, allowing the warehouse to cool using much less energy. Using evaporative coolers create a softer air and controls humidity, keeping the temperature of the produce consistent and fresh.
The offices are fitted with floor to ceiling windows allowing the use natural light as much as possible. Where required energy efficient bulbs are used throughout the building with motion sensors so when a room is not in use the lights automatically turn off.
The building has a water harvesting system allowing the use of rainwater where possible and we have also installed a 3-way interceptor to ensure wastewater from van washing and floor washing is filtered in a safe way.
The car park holds charging points for electric vehicles, which can be used by staff and guests.
FLEET
Food delivery miles are kept to a minimum due to carefully planned delivery routes using the latest route planning technology. The vans comply with Euro 6 ratings, reducing emissions substantially. Company cars are all fully electric making them exempt from road tax and congestion charging. The entire fleet complies with London’s strict low emission policy.
AdBlue is used in all of the fleet which is checked daily. The fuel consumption of each vehicle is recorded via a tracking device which also measures speed and internal temperatures. This data helps improve fuel consumption and future plans include the possibility of producing biofuel by collecting used vegetable oil from customers to recycle.
We currently have 2 electric delivery vehicles with plans to expand the electric fleet further with electric delivery vans that have multitemperature storage, including chilled, ambient and frozen. All of the electric delivery vans have solar panels installed on them to reduce energy used in electric charging.
We also have biodiesel delivery vans. These vans are designed to run on biodiesel, a renewable source of energy made from recycled cooking oil. By converting used cooking oil into biodiesel, these vans reduce reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels, thereby minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. We also have our own biodiesel container installed at our depot to reduce travel miles for refuel.
The entire forklift fleet is electric.
We also offer ride to Work Scheme and Octopus Electric Vehicle Scheme to encourage our employees to reduce their carbon emissions.
RECYCLING
Woods has been recycling waste for many years now. In-house compactors are used to recycle cardboard and plastic until a full truck load is baled. All unused wooden pallets are also collected by truck lorry load to be recycled. In addition, clean cardboard and plastic collection is provided for customers and also waste cooking oil collection via our 3rd party partner. Woods also works in conjunction with suppliers to ensure packaging is constantly being reduced.
A high-tech Warehouse Management System allows maximum efficiencies. Paper picking notes have been replaced with scanners which has shown a huge reduction in the amount of paper used. The introduction ofour online orderingh portal, ePOD and EDI software has reduced paper invoicing to customers.
Food wastage is minimised by using warehouse management technologies by a skilled and experienced purchasing team.
We work with Fairshare, an organisation fighting hunger and food waste. They are the UK's biggest national network of charitable food distributors that collect our surplus food and provides meals for local charities and communities.
REFRIGERATION
All of the chillers and freezers within the warehouse use the latest technologies to minimise impact on the environment.
We have 6 refrigerated delivery vans to maintain the freshness and quality of our produce whilst on the road, and consequently helps to reduce any food waste. Each vehicle includes separated frozen and chilled sections with a removable wall to change spacing of either section, this reduces wasted energy if spacing is not needed.
The van also maintains the temperature of chilled goods by having a bi-pass fan that is install in the freezer and pulls frozen air into the chilled compartment to reduce the temperature when needed, re-using the energy.
We also made the decision to keep the van white to reduce the amount of energy absorbed on sunny days, keeping temperatures down but produce quality at its maximum.
PEOPLE
The environmental strategy is reviewed regularly which all staff are fully trained on.
Multiple benefits within the wellness sector are provided to all colleagues, which they are encouraged to use. Care and empathy are at the core of this, with a focus on improved mental health facilities, and an encouraged 'open door' policy.
The government ride-to-work and octopus electric car scheme are available to all staff. Laptops and phones are provided so staff are able to work from home at times to reduce travel the headquarters are located just a 10-minute walk from Uxbridge station which encourages staff to use public transport where possible.
SOCIAL RESPONSBILITY
Locally, we are one of the most influential businesses in our borough. And we strive to make more of a difference in our community by donating more time and resources to relevant causes. We aim to build on partnerships with local educational institutions, providing work experience and recruitment opportunities to further make a difference.
PRODUCE
Where possible produce is sourced locally. When this is not possible, full loads are ordered. Woods are committed to supplying customers with a range of organic and fair-trade products and also offer products from sustainable sources and only deal with reputable suppliers that have satisfied a strict accreditation process.
ACCREDITATION
Woods Foodservice has an AA grade BRC certification, which demonstrates maximum efficiencies are in place at all times. The Confex ‘green wholesaler’ of the year has also been awarded.
WAREHOUSE
Bespoke, modern and fully insulated, solar panels are installed and the renewable energy generated is used to help run our warehouse including lighting and heating. We also use pozitive energy, a green energy supplier who supply 100% renewable electricity.
All of the shutter doors are electronic and automatically operated by sensors maintaining the correct temperatures throughout the building. Plastic curtains have also been installed to minimise temperature loss when the doors are open.
All the chillers and freezers within the warehouse use the latest technologies to minimise impact on the environment. Such as, evaporative coolers that help to optimise the air moisture and temperature, allowing the warehouse to cool using much less energy. Using evaporative coolers create a softer air and controls humidity, keeping the temperature of the produce consistent and fresh.
The offices are fitted with floor to ceiling windows allowing the use natural light as much as possible. Where required energy efficient bulbs are used throughout the building with motion sensors so when a room is not in use the lights automatically turn off.
The building has a water harvesting system allowing the use of rainwater where possible and we have also installed a 3-way interceptor to ensure wastewater from van washing and floor washing is filtered in a safe way.
The car park holds charging points for electric vehicles, which can be used by staff and guests.
FLEET
Food delivery miles are kept to a minimum due to carefully planned delivery routes using the latest route planning technology. The vans comply with Euro 6 ratings, reducing emissions substantially. Company cars are all fully electric making them exempt from road tax and congestion charging. The entire fleet complies with London’s strict low emission policy.
AdBlue is used in all of the fleet which is checked daily. The fuel consumption of each vehicle is recorded via a tracking device which also measures speed and internal temperatures. This data helps improve fuel consumption and future plans include the possibility of producing biofuel by collecting used vegetable oil from customers to recycle.
We currently have 2 electric delivery vehicles with plans to expand the electric fleet further with electric delivery vans that have multitemperature storage, including chilled, ambient and frozen. All of the electric delivery vans have solar panels installed on them to reduce energy used in electric charging.
We also have biodiesel delivery vans. These vans are designed to run on biodiesel, a renewable source of energy made from recycled cooking oil. By converting used cooking oil into biodiesel, these vans reduce reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels, thereby minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. We also have our own biodiesel container installed at our depot to reduce travel miles for refuel.
The entire forklift fleet is electric.
We also offer ride to Work Scheme and Octopus Electric Vehicle Scheme to encourage our employees to reduce their carbon emissions.
RECYCLING
Woods has been recycling waste for many years now. In-house compactors are used to recycle cardboard and plastic until a full truck load is baled. All unused wooden pallets are also collected by truck lorry load to be recycled. In addition, clean cardboard and plastic collection is provided for customers and also waste cooking oil collection via our 3rd party partner. Woods also works in conjunction with suppliers to ensure packaging is constantly being reduced.
A high-tech Warehouse Management System allows maximum efficiencies. Paper picking notes have been replaced with scanners which has shown a huge reduction in the amount of paper used. The introduction ofour online orderingh portal, ePOD and EDI software has reduced paper invoicing to customers.
Food wastage is minimised by using warehouse management technologies by a skilled and experienced purchasing team.
We work with Fairshare, an organisation fighting hunger and food waste. They are the UK's biggest national network of charitable food distributors that collect our surplus food and provides meals for local charities and communities.
REFRIGERATION
All of the chillers and freezers within the warehouse use the latest technologies to minimise impact on the environment.
We have 6 refrigerated delivery vans to maintain the freshness and quality of our produce whilst on the road, and consequently helps to reduce any food waste. Each vehicle includes separated frozen and chilled sections with a removable wall to change spacing of either section, this reduces wasted energy if spacing is not needed.
The van also maintains the temperature of chilled goods by having a bi-pass fan that is install in the freezer and pulls frozen air into the chilled compartment to reduce the temperature when needed, re-using the energy.
We also made the decision to keep the van white to reduce the amount of energy absorbed on sunny days, keeping temperatures down but produce quality at its maximum.
PEOPLE
The environmental strategy is reviewed regularly which all staff are fully trained on.
Multiple benefits within the wellness sector are provided to all colleagues, which they are encouraged to use. Care and empathy are at the core of this, with a focus on improved mental health facilities, and an encouraged 'open door' policy.
The government ride-to-work and octopus electric car scheme are available to all staff. Laptops and phones are provided so staff are able to work from home at times to reduce travel the headquarters are located just a 10-minute walk from Uxbridge station which encourages staff to use public transport where possible.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Locally, we are one of the most influential businesses in our borough. And we strive to make more of a difference in our community by donating more time and resources to relevant causes. We aim to build on partnerships with local educational institutions, providing work experience and recruitment opportunities to further make a difference.
PRODUCE
Where possible produce is sourced locally. When this is not possible, full loads are ordered. Woods are committed to supplying customers with a range of organic and fair-trade products and also offer products from sustainable sources and only deal with reputable suppliers that have satisfied a strict accreditation process.
ACCREDITATION
Woods Foodservice has an AA grade BRC certification, which demonstrates maximum efficiencies are in place at all times. The Confex ‘green wholesaler’ of the year has also been awarded.