Creed-Solar-Panel-Installation-Ilkeston

Source: Creed Foodservice

The wholesaler and catering provider said it also aims to be carbon neutral by 2025

Creed Foodservice has set out to reach net zero by 2035.

The wholesaler and catering provider, which supplies over 3,500 customers across the UK in a range of foodservice sectors, said it also aims to be carbon neutral by 2025.

It has been working with corporate climate action organisation Climate Partner to plan how it will achieve these targets.

It has so far set out to install 1,650 solar panels at its Ilkeston depot in a bid to drive down carbon emissions. The rollout is due to be completed by the end of May, and it is estimated that 30% of the power used will come from sunlight.

Various other energy-efficient solutions are already in place, including LED lighting systems installed at all warehouses, offices and yards.

It has also equipped all sites with electric charging points and committed to using Euro 6 lorries, which feature “the highest standard and cleanest engines on the market today”.

The business continues to tackle its waste management as well, maintaining a “landfill-free status” by reusing collected waste for energy or recycling it. 

Creed also works with Olleco, which helps the food and hospitality sectors convert their waste resources into renewable energy, and continues to partner with Too Good To Go to sell short-dated stock.

“We’ve stuck our neck out with these targets, something the entire team unequivocally agrees is essential if we’re serious about continuing with what we have already started, and to set a clear example for others in the industry,” said Creed sustainability director Phillip Creed. 

“We’d be remiss to deny the huge challenges that reducing emissions so significantly presents, but with the support of Climate Partner, we are absolutely committed to delivering what we’ve set out to.

“With this being our 50th year in business, we’ve seen a multitude of challenges face this sector over the years, but never have we been confronted with one so pressing which requires such rigorous and determined action. Not only will we continue to evolve the way we operate in line with these targets, but we’ll be working hard with our 380 suppliers and thousands of customers to achieve this endeavour and support them in their own too.”