Environmental

ESG Menu

Protecting Our Environment

Initially, SOS Group’s business activities had a reasonably significant negative environmental impact. Recognising the major opportunity for improvement, we took immediate steps to mitigate this impact through carbon offsetting. However, over the past two years, our owners and key stakeholders have sought to adopt a more strategic approach, making sustainability a cornerstone of our business strategy. This commitment led to the launch of our ISO 14001 accredited ESG+ journey in 2022.

Our new strategic approach aims to embed sustainability into every aspect of our operations, driving the business towards Net Zero by 2027 and Carbon Negative by 2030. Our guiding principle is to prioritise the environment, even if the solution costs more, is more difficult or challenging, or delays a positive result.

Audited by external UK based organisation Carbon Footprint Ltd, our total market-based emissions in 2023 were 617.34 tCO₂e. In the figure below you can see a breakdown of our emissions by type.

Eliminate Use of Chemicals

In our pursuit of achieving Net Zero by 2027 and Carbon Negative by 2030, we have made significant efforts in eliminating harmful chemicals from our cleaning services divisions.

Since the launch of our ESG+ campaign, concentrated, plant-based products account for 76% of our overall spend on cleaning chemicals. We have also invested in innovative chemical-free systems, such as Tersano. Most importantly, we use plant-based chemicals for general cleaning, which allows us to:

  • Reduce chemical use by 70%
  • Use 79% less plastic
  • Save 76% of energy

Travel & Fuel Consumption

Our ESG board diligently tracks fuel consumption through monthly board reports. Despite a 33% increase in our fleet size, fuel use by litre in 2023 has remained consistent with 2022 levels.

We are committed to transitioning our grey fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) wherever possible. While some divisions cannot yet adopt EVs due to the need for heavy-duty vehicles and the current lack of suitable crew cabs, our board continuously monitors the market for advancements in EV availability to address these challenges.

Additional improvements include optimised fleet planning with revised journey schedules, reduced engine idling through increased awareness and strategic planning, and leasing more fuel-efficient vehicles where EVs are not feasible.

Waste Management

Our ESG committee has spearheaded key initiatives to enhance waste segregation and recycling, monitored through quarterly trend analyses. We have implemented recycling bins across all offices and provide comprehensive training to ensure correct usage.

To further reduce waste, our team has adopted reusable kitchenware. Additionally, since 2023, our Finance Manager is leading a significant “Paperless Office” project, aiming to drastically cut down on paper usage and promote a more sustainable, efficient workplace. Payslips, statements, invoicing and client audits are now paperless.

SOS Group Forest

We are now contributing to local reforestation, having purchased 4.5 acres of woodland in Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon to provide ongoing tree planting. About 75% of this site is now fully planted. In 2024, over 500 trees were planted at our forest as part of an initiative at the FM Awards to plant a tree for everyone in the audience.

SOS Group is certified as Carbon Neutral by Carbon Footprint Ltd, a UK-based organisation that audits the carbon use of SOS Group on an annual basis and prepares a plan to support our carbon offsetting efforts (142 tonnes in 2022). In 2022, the project selected was the reforestation of degraded land in India.

Efficiency & Innovation

Improving Energy Efficiency

Our ESG committee monitors energy usage monthly with real-time measurements and has launched a new key initiative to reduce SOS Group’s energy consumption by 20% YOY from January 2024.

To demonstrate our commitment to clean energy, we are transitioning our fleet from standard combustion engines to electric vehicles (EVs), with EVs now comprising over 25% of our overall fleet.

Additionally, we are enhancing heating and lighting efficiency in our new Head Office in Sandyford. The move in early 2024 has enabled us to implement solar panels and eco-friendly lighting and heating solutions.

Innovation

At SOS Group, innovation is a top priority. By offering our clients the latest technologies, we strive to enhance efficiency, transparency, and uphold the highest service standards in the industry.

Recent innovations include the introduction of robotic cleaning, sustainable iMop systems, Tersano ionised water cleaning, and cutting-edge RFID patrol, inspection, and management software like Optiqo.

As we transition our fleet to electric vehicles (EVs), we are also implementing a ‘Paperless Office’ initiative, digitising and modernising our internal operations to further reduce emissions and streamline processes.

Responsible Purchasing

We prioritise appointing suppliers whose values align with ours, fostering close collaboration to educate and inspire our team on sustainability. One of our key cleaning product suppliers, Bunzl, was invited on 2 separate occasions to train our management teams on the use of SURE plant-based cleaning agents.

Water Consumption

We are committed to continuously improving water efficiency in our operations. The introduction of innovative iMop systems in our industrial cleaning has reduced our environmental impact by over 75%. Additionally, our adoption of the Optiqo on-demand cleaning system has further enhanced efficiency and minimised water usage.

SOS Group - Made Blue

iMop & Made Blue

Made Blue offsets the water used through our iMop systems by providing clean drinking water in developing countries on a 1:1 basis. So far the use of iMop systems resulted in over 121,500 litres of clean water being made available to developing countries.

Environmental

ESG Menu

Protecting Our Environment

Initially, SOS Group’s business activities had a reasonably significant negative environmental impact. Recognising the major opportunity for improvement, we took immediate steps to mitigate this impact through carbon offsetting. However, over the past two years, our owners and key stakeholders have sought to adopt a more strategic approach, making sustainability a cornerstone of our business strategy. This commitment led to the launch of our ISO 14001 accredited Making Ireland Greener (MIG) journey in 2022.

Our new strategic approach aims to embed sustainability into every aspect of our operations, driving the business towards Net Zero by 2027 and Carbon Negative by 2030. Our guiding principle is to prioritise the environment, even if the solution costs more, is more difficult or challenging, or delays a positive result.

Audited by external UK-based organisation Carbon Footprint Ltd, our total market-based emissions in 2023 were 617.34 tCO₂e. In the figure below you can see a breakdown of our emissions by type.

Eliminate Use of Chemicals

In our pursuit of achieving Net Zero by 2027 and Carbon Negative by 2030, we have made significant efforts in eliminating harmful chemicals from our cleaning services divisions.

Since the launch of our MIG campaign, concentrated, plant-based products account for 76% of our overall spend on cleaning chemicals. We have also invested in innovative chemical-free systems, such as Tersano. Most importantly, we use plant-based chemicals for general cleaning, which allows us to:

  • Reduce chemical consumption by up to 70%
  • Use 79% less plastic
  • Save 76% of energy
  • Reduce our CO₂ emissions by up to 99%

Travel & Fuel Consumption

Our ESG board diligently tracks fuel consumption through monthly board reports. Despite a 33% increase in our fleet size, fuel use by litre in 2023 has remained consistent with 2022 levels.

We are committed to transitioning our grey fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) wherever possible. While some divisions cannot yet adopt EVs due to the need for heavy-duty vehicles and the current lack of suitable crew cabs, our board continuously monitors the market for advancements in EV availability to address these challenges.

Additional improvements include optimised fleet planning with revised journey schedules, reduced engine idling through increased awareness and strategic planning, and leasing more fuel-efficient vehicles where EVs are not feasible.

Waste Management

Our ESG committee has spearheaded key initiatives to enhance waste segregation and recycling, monitored through quarterly trend analyses. We have implemented recycling bins across all offices and provide comprehensive training to ensure correct usage.

To further reduce waste, our team has adopted reusable kitchenware. Additionally, since 2023, our Finance Manager is leading a significant “Paperless Office” project, aiming to drastically cut down on paper usage and promote a more sustainable, efficient workplace. Payslips, statements, invoicing and client audits are now paperless.

The SOS Group Forest

We are now contributing to local reforestation, having purchased 4.5 acres of woodland in Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon to provide ongoing tree planting. About 75% of this site is now fully planted. In 2024, over 500 trees were planted at our forest as part of an initiative at the FM Awards to plant a tree for everyone in the audience.

SOS Group is certified as Carbon Neutral by Carbon Footprint Ltd, a UK-based organisation that audits the carbon use of SOS Group on an annual basis and prepares a plan to support our carbon offsetting efforts (142 tonnes in 2022). In 2022, the project selected was the reforestation of degraded land in India.

+142

Tonnes of Carbon Emissions Saved in 2022

+75

% of Our 4.5 Acre Forest In Roscommon Is Now Planted

Efficiency & Innovation

Improving Energy Efficiency

Our ESG committee monitors energy usage monthly with real-time measurements and has launched a new key initiative to reduce SOS Group’s energy consumption by 20% YOY from January 2024.

To demonstrate our commitment to clean energy, we are transitioning our fleet from standard combustion engines to electric vehicles (EVs), with EVs now comprising over 25% of our overall fleet.

Additionally, we are enhancing heating and lighting efficiency in our new Head Office in Sandyford. The move in early 2024 has enabled us to implement solar panels and eco-friendly lighting and heating solutions.

Innovation

At SOS Group, innovation is a top priority. By offering our clients the latest technologies, we strive to enhance efficiency, transparency, and uphold the highest service standards in the industry.

Recent innovations include the introduction of robotic cleaning, sustainable iMop systems, Tersano ionised water cleaning, and cutting-edge RFID patrol, inspection, and management software like Optiqo.

As we transition our fleet to electric vehicles (EVs), we are also implementing a ‘Paperless Office’ initiative, digitising and modernising our internal operations to further reduce emissions and streamline processes.

Responsible Purchasing

We prioritise appointing suppliers whose values align with ours, fostering close collaboration to educate and inspire our team on sustainability. One of our key cleaning product suppliers, Bunzl, was invited on 2 separate occasions to train our management teams on the use of SURE plant-based cleaning agents.

Water Consumption

We are committed to continuously improving water efficiency in our operations. The introduction of innovative iMop systems in our industrial cleaning has reduced our environmental impact by over 75%. Additionally, our adoption of the Optiqo on-demand cleaning system has further enhanced efficiency and minimised water usage.

SOS Group - Made Blue

iMop & Made Blue

Made Blue offsets the water used through our iMop systems by providing clean drinking water in developing countries on a 1:1 basis. So far the use of iMop systems resulted in over 121,500 litres of clean water being made available to developing countries.

Environmental

ESG Menu

Protecting Our Environment

Initially, SOS Group’s business activities had a reasonably significant negative environmental impact. Recognising the major opportunity for improvement, we took immediate steps to mitigate this impact through carbon offsetting. However, over the past two years, our owners and key stakeholders have sought to adopt a more strategic approach, making sustainability a cornerstone of our business strategy. This commitment led to the launch of our ISO 14001 accredited ESG+ journey in 2022.

Our new strategic approach aims to embed sustainability into every aspect of our operations, driving the business towards Net Zero by 2027 and Carbon Negative by 2030. Our guiding principle is to prioritise the environment, even if the solution costs more, is more difficult or challenging, or delays a positive result.

Audited by external UK based organisation Carbon Footprint Ltd, our total market-based emissions in 2023 were 617.34 tCO₂e. In the figure below you can see a breakdown of our emissions by type.

Eliminate Use of Chemicals

In our pursuit of achieving Net Zero by 2027 and Carbon Negative by 2030, we have made significant efforts in eliminating harmful chemicals from our cleaning services divisions.

Since the launch of our ESG+ campaign, concentrated, plant-based products account for 76% of our overall spend on cleaning chemicals. We have also invested in innovative chemical-free systems, such as Tersano. Most importantly, we use plant-based chemicals for general cleaning, which allows us to:

  • Reduce chemical use by 70%
  • Use 79% less plastic
  • Save 76% of energy

Travel & Fuel Consumption

Our ESG board diligently tracks fuel consumption through monthly board reports. Despite a 33% increase in our fleet size, fuel use by litre in 2023 has remained consistent with 2022 levels.

We are committed to transitioning our grey fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) wherever possible. While some divisions cannot yet adopt EVs due to the need for heavy-duty vehicles and the current lack of suitable crew cabs, our board continuously monitors the market for advancements in EV availability to address these challenges.

Additional improvements include optimised fleet planning with revised journey schedules, reduced engine idling through increased awareness and strategic planning, and leasing more fuel-efficient vehicles where EVs are not feasible.

Waste Management

Our ESG committee has spearheaded key initiatives to enhance waste segregation and recycling, monitored through quarterly trend analyses. We have implemented recycling bins across all offices and provide comprehensive training to ensure correct usage.

To further reduce waste, our team has adopted reusable kitchenware. Additionally, since 2023, our Finance Manager is leading a significant “Paperless Office” project, aiming to drastically cut down on paper usage and promote a more sustainable, efficient workplace. Payslips, statements, invoicing and client audits are now paperless.

The SOS Group Forest

We are now contributing to local reforestation, having purchased 4.5 acres of woodland in Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon to provide ongoing tree planting. About 75% of this site is now fully planted. In 2024, over 500 trees were planted at our forest as part of an initiative at the FM Awards to plant a tree for everyone in the audience.

SOS Group is certified as Carbon Neutral by Carbon Footprint Ltd, a UK-based organisation that audits the carbon use of SOS Group on an annual basis and prepares a plan to support our carbon offsetting efforts (142 tonnes in 2022). In 2022, the project selected was the reforestation of degraded land in India.

+142

Tonnes of Carbon Emissions Saved in 2022

+75

% of Our 4.5 Acre Forest In Roscommon Is Now Planted

Efficiency & Innovation

Saving Energy

Our ESG committee monitors energy usage monthly with real-time measurements and has launched a new key initiative to reduce SOS Group’s energy consumption by 20% YOY from January 2024.

To demonstrate our commitment to clean energy, we are transitioning our fleet from standard combustion engines to electric vehicles (EVs), with EVs now comprising over 25% of our overall fleet.

Additionally, we are enhancing heating and lighting efficiency in our new Head Office in Sandyford. The move in early 2024 has enabled us to implement solar panels and eco-friendly lighting and heating solutions.

Innovation

At SOS Group, innovation is a top priority. By offering our clients the latest technologies, we strive to enhance efficiency, transparency, and uphold the highest service standards in the industry.

Recent innovations include the introduction of robotic cleaning, sustainable iMop systems, Tersano ionised water cleaning, and cutting-edge RFID patrol, inspection, and management software like Optiqo.

As we transition our fleet to electric vehicles (EVs), we are also implementing a ‘Paperless Office’ initiative, digitising and modernising our internal operations to further reduce emissions and streamline processes.

Responsible Purchasing

We prioritise appointing suppliers whose values align with ours, fostering close collaboration to educate and inspire our team on sustainability. One of our key cleaning product suppliers, Bunzl, was invited on 2 separate occasions to train our management teams on the use of SURE plant-based cleaning agents.

Water Consumption

We are committed to continuously improving water efficiency in our operations. The introduction of innovative iMop systems in our industrial cleaning has reduced our environmental impact by over 75%. Additionally, our adoption of the Optiqo on-demand cleaning system has further enhanced efficiency and minimised water usage.

SOS Group - Made Blue

iMop & Made Blue

Made Blue offsets the water used through our iMop systems by providing clean drinking water in developing countries on a 1:1 basis. So far the use of iMop systems resulted in over 121,500 litres of clean water being made available to developing countries.