Like many people, I sometimes second-guess small sustainability choices - should a greasy pizza box go in the recycling bin? Do milk cartons need to be rinsed first? These seemingly small questions often lead to a bigger one: do individual actions like these really add up?

When I became CEO of Codex in 2019, I began thinking about this on a business level. Together with the Codex Green Earthlings team, we considered similar questions as to whether an Irish-owned SME with 100 employees could make a meaningful impact. Could our efforts have a meaningful impact, or would they get lost in the bigger picture?

Five years on, we’ve learned that even small changes can drive significant progress. By focusing on practical, incremental steps, we’ve reduced our environmental footprint and embedded sustainability into the core of our operations. One example is our adoption of electric vehicles for deliveries - a decision that has not only reduced emissions but also prompted us to rethink how we operate with the environment in mind. While modest in scale, these actions show that consistent effort can deliver tangible results and that businesses of any size can play a role in building a more sustainable future.

Our Approach to Sustainability

The key is to start by measuring. At Codex, we embrace the motto, “You can only improve what you can measure,” which has shaped our approach to environmental and sustainability initiatives. Our journey became more structured and data-driven when we partnered with Planet Mark in 2020. This partnership has been instrumental in auditing and measuring our carbon emissions, providing us with the tools to quantify our efforts and identify areas where we can make the greatest impact. Their insights have guided our strategy and solidified our commitment to leading the conversation around sustainability.

With a background in Biochemistry, I’ve always been driven by data and analytics, which naturally aligned with Planet Mark’s approach. Their detailed reports on our environmental impact shifted my perspective on sustainability. It’s no longer about vague goals or assumptions but about actionable data and measurable progress. This analytical foundation empowers us to set clear objectives, monitor success, and stay accountable throughout.

Sustainability That Delivers - Identifying Areas for Maximum Impact

Building on our commitment to measurable progress, our Scope 1 and 2 analysis forms the foundation of our sustainability strategy, providing a clear understanding of the direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions tied to our operations. Scope 1 covers emissions from sources under our direct control, such as company vehicles and on-site energy use, while Scope 2 focuses on indirect emissions from purchased electricity and energy.

This analysis has allowed us to identify key areas for improvement, including optimising our fleet for efficiency and transitioning to low-emission vehicles. So, in 2024, we took one of our boldest steps yet by launching a new fleet of Ford E-Transits, further reducing our emissions and enhancing the sustainability of our delivery operations.

Why Switch to Electric Vehicles?

The PwC 2024 Voice of the Consumer Survey revealed that customers are willing to pay a 9.7% premium for sustainable products and services, highlighting that sustainability is not just a corporate value but a shared priority with our customers.

From an operational perspective, Codex makes over 250,000 deliveries annually, making our logistics system a key contributor to our environmental footprint. By introducing our electric vehicle (EV) fleet, we’ve significantly reduced the environmental impact of these deliveries, aligning our operations with our sustainability goals. In 2023, we also neutralised our fleet and business campus footprint through carbon offsetting, supporting eight of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

From a business standpoint, EVs are not only a better environmental choice but also a smarter business decision. Replacing diesel vans with electric alternatives reduces CO2 emissions per kilometre by 25%. With Ireland’s energy grid becoming greener every year, the long-term impact of EVs on emissions is even more substantial.

The financial case for EVs is equally compelling. According to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), EVs cost around €0.18 per kilometre to run, compared to €0.30 per kilometre for petrol cars. Fewer moving parts also mean lower maintenance costs, offering Irish businesses up to 70% savings on upkeep compared to traditional vehicles. These savings are crucial for operational efficiency, particularly in sectors that rely on high-mileage fleets.

The response to our EV fleet has been overwhelmingly positive - not only from an environmental standpoint but also because it strengthens our brand. It sends our customers and stakeholders a clear message that we are committed to operating responsibly.

The Importance of Collaboration for Business Sustainability

Sustainability is a collective effort; this belief starts with our team at Codex. Our employees are at the heart of our sustainability journey, embracing innovation and contributing valuable insights that shape our strategies. From drivers providing feedback on vehicle performance to office teams advocating for sustainable initiatives, collaboration across all levels of the business is essential to making impactful change.

Our EV rollout exemplifies this collaborative spirit. Using tools like the Reveal telematics system, we’ve identified the ideal vehicles for replacement, ensuring smooth operations without disruption. Drivers were actively involved in testing and transitioning to EVs, allowing us to address their concerns and fine-tune processes to meet operational needs while embracing sustainability.

Beyond the EV fleet, we engage employees in sustainability initiatives through training, workshops, and internal campaigns highlighting the importance of reducing emissions and waste. These efforts have fostered a workplace culture that prioritises environmental responsibility and innovation.

We’ve also strengthened partnerships with customers, suppliers, and external experts. Through these collaborations, we’re amplifying our efforts to reduce emissions across the entire supply chain to drive meaningful progress as we move forward.

The Electric Vehicle Summit & Expo

Following on from the positive response to our EV fleet, I had the privilege of participating in the recent Electric Vehicle Summit & Expo, where I was part of a panel discussion on “Leading the Way to a Greener Transition.” The event brought together leaders from various sectors to discuss the critical role of EVs in achieving a sustainable future. During the panel, we shared insights on the progress we’ve made and the challenges still ahead.

One of my key takeaways was the importance of leadership in driving the green transition. It’s about adopting innovative technologies, setting an example, and encouraging others to follow suit. While many businesses are making strides toward sustainability, it became clear that more support is needed across industries to accelerate this shift. This includes stronger government incentives, greater investment in infrastructure, and more comprehensive education on the long-term benefits of EVs.

Another key talking point was the need for collaboration. Like I've said already, the transition to greener transportation requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including businesses, policymakers, and consumers. It’s a shared responsibility, and the more we can work together, the faster we can achieve a sustainable future. The summit reinforced my belief that while we’ve made great progress, we must continue pushing for greater change and support in the years ahead.

Looking to 2025 and Beyond

While we’ve made significant strides, the journey doesn’t end here. We’re already tackling Scope 3 emissions by looking at indirect emissions throughout our supply chain. Our sustainability vision for 2025 includes:

• Offering sustainable alternatives for our top 200 products, empowering customers to align their purchases with their values.
• Eliminating non-recyclable waste by 2027, contributing to a circular economy.
• Achieving carbon neutrality on the path to net-zero emissions, guided by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), which calls for reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by at least 90%.

For Codex, sustainability isn’t a checkbox - it’s our way of doing business. Whether we’re introducing EVs, addressing Scope 3 emissions, or empowering our customers to make sustainable choices, we’re committed to making a difference.

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For more on our EV fleet and the steps Codex is taking toward a sustainable future, visit Codex Sustainability & CSR and Codex Electric Vans to explore our initiatives and learn how we’re making a difference.

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