A fresh produce company based in Dartford has started to reap the benefits of improving resource efficiency, after working with government-funded Envirowise programme to cut its energy consumption.
The company, Greencell Ltd, receives and distributes fresh produce and is a supplier to both Waitrose and the Government’s School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme. Its Spadling-based cold storage and packaging plant is a crucial element of the business, and an area where the company had been looking to cut down on its energy consumption.
In May of this year Greencell sought help from Envirowise, which works with companies to reduce their environmental impact and identify cost savings in the process.
Peter Irving, Company Finance Director for Greencell, said: “We were looking to upgrade our cold storage facility – and by taking advantage of a free on-site visit (Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales only) from an Envirowise advisor we were able identify the most energy efficient and cost-effective ways of doing this.
“As a result of their recommendations, we have begun recladding the building with an insulating ‘skin’, and have also modified the roller doors to the facility so they open and close quicker – both measures helping to prevent energy loss.
“Envirowise also suggested ways in which energy generated from our cooling facility could itself be recycled to be used to heat our kiwi / avocado ripening room and we are currently looking a the feasibility of do this.
“In total, a remarkable £20,000 of potential cost-savings have been identified, and the recommendations from Envirowise will play an important part in the ongoing upgrade of our Spalding site.”
Envirowise Regional Manager for the South East, Katie Plummer, commented: “This example of Greencell suggests that other companies in the region might be missing a trick when it comes to looking at ways to save money.
“In almost every type of business there is the potential for cost savings, but exactly where these lie is not always obvious. A free Envirowise ‘FastTrack’ visit allows companies can use the knowledge of a specialist to cut costs in a range of different areas – including water, waste and energy – and benefit the environment at the same time.”
Following an on-site visit, companies will receive a tailored waste minimisation plan, which includes savings targets, suggested actions on how to consume fewer resources and advice on legislation.
For more information on Envirowise’s free services, and to arrange a FastTrack visit, go to www.envirowise.gov.uk or phone the confidential Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585 794.
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Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Harrison Cowley. For further information please contact Kate Sturley or Rod Dennis on 0117 929 2311 or roderickd@harrisoncowley.com
About Envirowise
Envirowise delivers a valuable programme of confidential advice to UK businesses. This advice enables businesses to improve profitability and reduce environmental impact.
Independent, practical and proven guidance is available through the Envirowise Advice Line, information resources and on site visits (Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales only) delivered by a national team of expert advisors. Each solution is driven by the specific needs of individual firms, to genuinely improve their business practices, profitability and competitiveness. Since 1994, Envirowise has helped UK industry save £1 billion.
The Envirowise programme is available to any UK business, completely free of charge.
For more information visit www.envirowise.gov.uk or call 0800 585 794.