Bidvest Noonan Ireland

Ireland's leading provider of facilities services and solutions

sustainability

Bidvest Noonan first to introduce SAO Technology in the Healthcare Sector in Ireland.

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Bidvest Noonan has introduced Stabilised Aqueous Ozone (SAO) technology at St. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH), the first time this innovation has been brought to the healthcare sector in Ireland. This marks a major step forward in both cleaning efficiency and sustainability.

SVUH, renowned for its strong focus on infection control and innovation, has adopted SAO technology to further improve its cleaning processes and environmental performance. We worked closely with hospital stakeholders to conduct thorough testing before implementing the system. The results showed outstanding effectiveness in maintaining hygiene standards and controlling infections.

SAO, produced on site from ordinary tap water, acts as a highly effective cleaning agent and disinfectant. It’s been proven to outperform traditional cleaning products and meets Green Seal Standards for industrial-grade cleaning. After use, it naturally breaks down into water and oxygen, making it completely safe to dispose of with no negative impact on waterways.

Additionally, SAO eliminates the need for single-use plastics and requires no rinsing, significantly cutting water consumption. For hospitals like SVUH, which are committed to reducing their environmental footprint, SAO is the ideal solution.

Olivia Doyle, Assistant Director of Nursing for Infection Prevention and Control at St. Vincent’s University Hospital, stated: “St. Vincent’s University Hospital is committed to promoting best practice in terms of sustainability. SAO provides an innovative alternative, reducing the number of chemicals being used. By using this technology, the high levels of cleanliness throughout the organisation are maintained without the use of toxins. The benefits include no odours, no chemical residue, and a simplified cleaning routine. Many of the benefits relate directly to the operatives and how it has simplified their processes.”

In healthcare, effective cleaning is essential for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). The introduction of SAO at SVUH is expected to further strengthen the hospital’s IPC protocols, offering a powerful and environmentally friendly cleaning solution that’s safe for use in sensitive environments.

Susan Howard, Director of Operations in Healthcare at Bidvest Noonan, added: “We are proud to support St. Vincent’s University Hospital in leading the way with this innovative cleaning technology. SAO has proven to deliver excellent results and has helped the hospital achieve its infection control and sustainability objectives.”

Bidvest Noonan Achieves Milestone with First Comprehensive Carbon Footprint Assessment

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We are delighted to announce the completion of our first comprehensive carbon footprint assessment. This landmark achievement underscores our commitment to sustainability and our mission to create safer and healthier communities.

“Our first full carbon footprint assessment is a testament to our transparency and accountability,” said John King, ESG Director of Bidvest Noonan. “Our footprint demonstrates the work we have done in recent years. Understanding our emissions allows us to take meaningful steps to reduce our environmental impact and provide sustainable solutions for our clients.”

The assessment adheres to the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) standards.

The process involved a detailed analysis of emissions from the supply chain, employee commuting, fleet operations, and more. By engaging with suppliers and various departments, we identified key impact areas and opportunities for emission reductions.

“For customers, this signifies that Bidvest Noonan offers not only market-leading services but also environmentally conscious solutions, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable practices,” added John King.

Key findings showed that the supply chain and employee commuting are primary contributors to emissions, accounting for the vast majority of our footprint. Our business, which has adopted an electric-first policy for our fleet, has also implemented local recruitment policies, cycle-to-work schemes, and public transport initiatives to promote sustainable commuting for our 27,000 people. Additionally, we are working collaboratively with supply chain partners to further reduce scope 3 emissions.

Andrew Doyle, Procurement Director, commented on our efforts to assist the supply chain in becoming more sustainable: “We are actively working with our suppliers to enhance their sustainability practices. By collaborating closely and sharing best practices, we aim to reduce the overall environmental impact of our supply chain.”

Driving Forward with Our Carbon Reduction Plan

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In 2021, we launched our Carbon Reduction Plan, with the “Electric First” strategy at its core. Since then, we’ve made remarkable progress on this journey. 🔌🔋

Over the past year, more than 93% of our vehicle purchases have been electric, adding 135 electric vehicles to our fleet. To support this transition, we’ve enhanced a number of our offices with additional charging facilities for our colleagues.

This initiative is crucial, as vehicle emissions account for over 90% of our Scope 1 and 2 emissions. We are steadfast in our commitment to becoming fully electric in the coming years.

Our efforts extend beyond vehicles. We have also made significant progress in transitioning our machinery to electric alternatives, further supporting our sustainability goals.

Together, we’re driving towards a greener future.

Ethical Procurement and Sustainability: A Q&A with Gurjeet Parmar, Group Procurement Manager at Bidvest Noonan

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We sat down with Gurjeet Parmar, our Group Procurement Manager, who joined us in 2023 and is based in our London office. Since joining, Gurjeet has made a significant impact, and today, she is an integral part of our excellent procurement team.
Gurjeet brings a wealth of experience to her role, having worked with a diverse range of companies, including large, well-known multinationals. We were keen to hear about how she incorporates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and promotes diversity within our supply chain, alongside her contributions to our thriving procurement team.

What does ethical procurement mean to you, and why is it important for companies?

Ethical procurement is fundamentally about ensuring that the goods and services we purchase are sourced in a way that respects human rights, supports fair labour practices, and protects the environment. It’s a holistic approach that integrates social, economic, and environmental considerations into our procurement decisions.
For companies in the UK and Ireland, it’s more than a legal obligation; it’s also a moral one. It’s about avoiding harm and actively contributing to positive change.
We need to make sure that our supply chains are free from exploitation and that we’re supporting practices that contribute to a better world. Beyond preventing the exploitation of people, we also have to ensure that we prevent the exploitation of the planet to protect the environments we all depend on.
It’s the right thing to do, and it’s good for business. It enhances our reputation and builds trust with customers and stakeholders, who increasingly demand that businesses operate responsibly and ethically.

You mentioned preventing the exploitation of both people and the planet. How can we ensure that child labour and modern slavery don’t exist in our supply chains?

We take a very proactive approach. First, we conduct thorough due diligence and regular audits of our suppliers. This helps us to identify and address any risks of child labour or modern slavery. We also do random checks and have very strict onboarding processes to make sure our suppliers know what’s expected of them. Beyond preventing the exploitation of people, we also have to ensure that we prevent the exploitation of the planet to protect the environments we all depend on. This means advocating for sustainable practices throughout our supply chain.

Can you share some of the new or ongoing initiatives that you’re working on to make your procurement more sustainable?

There are so many exciting initiatives happening across our business, it’s on everyone’s agenda, and the pace of positive change is truly incredible. To mention just a few, we’ve introduced a range of products like biodegradable detergents and hand towels made from recycled materials. We’re also reducing our carbon footprint by designing smaller packaging, which allows us to transport more products in fewer shipments. I’m sure many people know about the amazing technologies our innovation team has helped us introduce that enable us to reduce emissions and cut our consumption of resources such as energy and water.
Another significant initiative is our programme for recycling old uniforms. We partner with suppliers to convert these uniforms into usable materials, preventing waste and supporting our commitment to sustainability. These efforts are just a glimpse of the many ways we’re working to minimise our environmental impact and promote responsible resource use throughout our operations.


How do you encourage diversity and inclusion among your suppliers?

A diverse supply chain is crucial for fostering innovation and ensuring fairness. Our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) team has done outstanding work in driving this initiative forward. We’re hosting Diversity Supplier Days to engage with suppliers from various backgrounds, including those owned by women, minorities, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. We’ve set specific targets to increase the number of diverse suppliers we work with, and we’re committed to supporting them long-term. It’s about creating an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued.

Finally, what advice would you give to other companies looking to begin their journey to ethical procurement practices?

My advice would be to start with clear policies and standards and make sure everyone in your supply chain understands and adheres to them. Regular audits and open communication are key to maintaining these standards. Also, look for ways to support sustainability and diversity in your procurement practices. It’s not just good for business but also for the community and the planet. And remember, it’s an ongoing process—there’s always room for improvement.

Food for Thought: A Simple Idea Transforming Workplace Inclusion

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In today’s diverse world, people from different backgrounds meet daily, creating chances for innovation and understanding. While this diversity is valuable for team-building and generating varied ideas, the real challenge for organisations is to harness these differences effectively and authentically for significant benefits.


Our team at the University of Limerick, with its broad talent pool, recognised this potential. Keen on bringing together the unique perspectives of its colleagues to form a more effective and inclusive team, they were committed to creating an environment where everyone could flourish. In pursuit of this, they engaged in numerous initiatives and saw remarkable results. However, one idea stood out for its effectiveness and simplicity. This concept, employed in various cultures but less discussed in corporate settings, was ‘Food for Thought’. It involved the simple act of sharing meals – a universal practice of breaking bread together.


‘Food for Thought’ is straightforward: get people together to share a meal and and encourage them to share their unique stories. This age-old concept, reimagined for the modern corporate world, gains its power from simplicity. In a shared meal, there’s an opportunity for conversation, for personal stories to unfold, and for barriers to dissolve.


What makes ‘Food for Thought’ impactful isn’t just the act of eating together; it’s the exchanges that happen around the table. When colleagues share their personal stories, they begin to see each other beyond their professional roles. They discover common ground, understanding, and respect. These are the cornerstones of a truly inclusive workplace.


The influence of ‘Food for Thought’ stretches well beyond the lunch hour. It reshapes workplace culture, affects interactions, decisions, and attitudes. This initiative reminds us that sometimes, the most effective solutions emerge from the simplest ideas.

Bidvest Noonan is now powered by Wind Energy in Ireland

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The widespread recognition of climate change’s effects is prompting everyone to evaluate their contribution to climate action. In Ireland, fossil fuel dependency for electricity, heating, and transportation remains high, contributing significantly to carbon emissions. Recognising this, Bidvest Noonan is at the forefront of transitioning to sustainable, low carbon energy solutions.

We’re excited to announce an important advancement in our sustainability efforts: our Republic of Ireland offices are now fully powered by 100% wind energy, sourced from a wind farm in County Cork – a prime example of our commitment to the highest levels of green energy usage.

In our journey towards greater sustainability, we’ve initiated several other eco-friendly measures, including our transition to an electric vehicle fleet, implementing highly energy-efficient equipment and so much more. Building on these efforts, in 2023, we introduced an energy management service, aiding our customers in their own sustainable transitions. Discover more about how Bidvest Noonan is shaping a greener future with our Energy Management Service here.