Chippindale Hits Target of Generating 50% of Electricity from Solar

30th May 2017

Chippindale Foods has achieved its target of generating 50% of its electricity from solar energy following a £230,000 investment in solar panels.

The green energy installation at the company’s 55,000 sq ft low carbon egg packing facility at Flaxby, near Harrogate, was completed in 2015.

Managing director Nick Chippindale said the roof-mounted solar system was part of a company wide initiative to improve efficiency and introduce effective monitoring of energy use, which had built towards a target of generating half the site’s power from renewables.

“Our target of meeting half of our electricity needs through solar was motivated by a desire to be as self-sufficient as possible and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. It was vital that we introduced effective consumption monitoring alongside the solar installation to enable us to work towards a known percentage of self sufficiency,” explained Nick.

“Solar PV was just part of the solution and other initiatives such as using less energy through improved efficiencies helped us reach our target within 18 months.

“We are now seeing the results and enjoying a more sustainable business,” he added.

The purpose built egg processing and office premises was constructed with sustainability in mind. A grey water rain harvesting system collects water to wash the company’s low emission HGV fleet. Air source heat pumps generate warm water and heating.

Nick said the company had also achieved its target of sending zero waste to landfill in partnership with Todd Waste Management through its commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle.

“We recognise our responsibility, both as an employer and a supplier to major retailers, to have rigorous plans in place for a sustainable future,” he said.

“Our sustainability plan gives equal consideration to the planet, our people and our prosperity to make sure attention is firmly focused on minimising our impact on the environment and our demand on natural resources.”