Carbon footprint
Carbon footprint is the ultimate measure of a company’s impact on the environment. It calculates all greenhouse gas emissions resulting from all aspects of the operation, including emissions created in the production of the energy and raw materials the company buys.
We fully subscribe to the major initiatives to reduce the UK’s carbon footprint. We have worked closely with the Carbon Trust, the organisation tasked with encouraging companies to measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and with the Carbon Disclosure Project, a voluntary body to which companies disclose the amount of carbon they are producing.
Achievements to April 2010
We have estimated our total carbon footprint for our UK operations and identified the main areas where we can improve. These are energy conservation and the type and quantity of plastic used in our responsible food packaging. Both these areas have project plans within the company, and our achievements can be seen on separate pages by clicking the relevant links. See also our plans for reducing water conservation and reducing production waste.
In the eight years since the introduction by the government of the biennial Climate Change Levy, Northern Foods has been 100 per cent successful in obtaining the maximum rebate for limiting greenhouse gas emissions to within the company’s target, which is currently 25,000 tonnes per annum.
As a simple example of a direct saving in greenhouse gas emissions, it was calculated that teleconferencing between our sites all around the UK and in Ireland in 2009 cut 260,000 vehicle miles, reducing carbon emissions by 34 tonnes, while also saving 10 years in work time.
Target to April 2011
To maintain our 100 per cent record for operating within our target for greenhouse gas emissions as determined by our agreement with the government under the UK Climate Change Levy.
Longer-term targets
Completing a multi-million pound fridge-replacement programme to comply with regulations for the eradication of equipment using hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by 2015. This will be a major focus of investment by Northern Foods and is estimated will cost up to £15 million.
Our News
Mon, 9th Aug
Tue, 13th Jul