We are delighted to announce that the team at Cranswick Convenience Foods, Barnsley have achieved the PAS 2060 Carbon Neutral specification. Carbon Neutrality represents a significant milestone on the journey to Net Zero emissions.
The achievement of the PAS 2060 standard reflects the Barnsley site team’s focus on minimising carbon emissions over the last five years. Climate-smart interventions have been facilitated by senior leaders upskilled with CPD-certified climate literacy training and the engagement of colleagues across the site. The remaining site emissions are offset by verified, strategic initiatives which support reforestation and renewable energy projects. In addition to the efficiency programmes already implemented, the specification recognises a future emissions reduction plan which will enhance the site’s environmental performance further.
REDUCING CARBON TO DATE
Since 2016, the site has implemented a range of carbon reduction solutions. Efficiency programmes have enhanced environmental performance while increasing productivity and upgrading legacy equipment.
Key projects include:
· Reduction of energy inefficiencies in lighting, via installation of LED lighting across the site.
· Neutralisation of electricity consumption emissions, through investment into REGO backed renewable electricity tariff.
· Replacement of Refrigerant R448A with R404a, reducing emissions by over half per leak or top-up.
· Improved energy efficiencies via the installation of a combined heat and power system (CHP). CHP reduces transmission losses from the Grid and allows utilisation of excess heat production.
These efforts have contributed to reducing overall emissions by 18% (versus the 2017-2018 baseline).
REALISING CARBON NEUTRALITY
Peter Richards, Site Director, praises his team’s efforts, while stressing the site’s commitment to go even further:
"Our site manufactures some of the UK's favourite cooked meats, and we're proud to have achieved PAS2060 carbon neutral status. We’ve made it a win both for climate and the business: more efficient operations are directly coupled with decreasing our carbon impact – while always maintaining our high quality and safety standards. Achieving carbon neutrality is a testament to the sustained focus from the team and their effective implementation of critical projects, including the installation of LED lighting and CHP systems. Climate neutrality is an important milestone, but the journey doesn't stop here. We will continue to drive down emissions on the path to Net Zero by 2040, leading for a positive future for the food industry.”
While the site works to reduce carbon emissions to the lowest level possible, carbon offsets have been put in place to achieve neutrality. These strategic, Verra-validated offset projects are held to the highest carbon offset standards. Site colleagues have selected each project to support climate goals and also drive social benefits, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Chosen offset projects are:
1. Portel-Pará REDD amazon rainforest protection and community investment project: This project is working to avert unplanned deforestation in rainforests native to Brazil, and will prevent over 22 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions over a 40 year period. This will be achieved by managing the land in the form of a "private conservation reserve" through rigorous monitoring and enforcement, while also providing support and employment opportunities to the local community. The project is in an area holding numerous species of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, some of which are considered endangered or vulnerable, making it extremely important for biodiversity conservation.
2. Solar Power Project, Philippines: This solar power project is located on Negros Island and involves the installation of 32MW La Carlota Solar Power PV Plant and 48MW Manapla Solar Power Plant. The Philippines produces most of its energy using fossil fuels. This project is one of the first in a new generation of renewable energy projects that seek to reduce the country's reliance on imported fuel that is damaging the environment. The project is expected to offset 66,039 tCO2e per annum. Through community engagement activities with the local government of La Carlota and Manapla, the project team has supported several initiatives, including tree planting, water well construction and the development of communal toilet facilities.
3. Doddington North Moor in the UK – part of the Woodland Carbon Code, and the largest planned woodland reforestation project in England in the last 25 years. The forest will cover an area of around 354 hectares in Northumberland, with 268 hectares of mixed forest to be planted. The productive woodland will be managed to maintain it in the long-term, through removing some trees to let light through the canopy, as well as to provide sustainably sourced wood. The reforestation project will allow 101,988 trees to be planted and capture around 92,670 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions over a 65 year period.
What’s next?
A key part of the PAS 2060 specification is the commitment to future carbon reduction plans.
Cranswick Convenience Foods Barnsley plans a diverse range of energy efficiency measures and upgrades to activate their approved emission reduction plan over the next 1 – 5 years. Actions include:
· A further move to more environmentally-friendly refrigerants, driving down any GHG emissions from leakage and disposal.
· Exploration of replacing traditional office heating systems with heat pumps, to allow all heating requirements to be met by renewable electricity rather than fossil fuel gas combustion.
· Further development of the CHP system to use a mixture of biogas and natural gas.
· Investigation of installing of roof Solar PV, with the potential to supply any excess energy back to the Grid.
· Further reduction in food waste in production.
CPD-accredited colleagues and internal Changemakers will drive these projects, as Cranswick Convenience Foods Barnsley progresses towards its 2040 Net Zero commitment.
The team at Cranswick Convenience Foods Barnsley joins Cranswick Convenience Foods Sutton Fields, Cranswick Gourmet Sausage Lazenbys, Cranswick Continental Foods Bury, Cranswick Country Foods Ballymena, Cranswick Convenience Foods Milton Keynes, Cranswick Gourmet Pastry in Malton and Cranswick Country Foods at Riverside, who have all achieved carbon neutrality.