Heck! Food has installed 433 solar panels at its headquarters in Kirklington, Bedale. The panels will generate 200,000 kWh annually, providing 20% of the factory’s energy needs.
Supplying 20% of the Factory’s Energy Requirements
Heck! Food—a sausage manufacturing company in North Yorkshire—has installed a new solar energy system at its headquarters in Kirklington, Bedale. The project includes 433 solar panels expected to produce 200,000 kWh per year, which will cover 20% of the factory’s energy requirements.
Jamie Keeble, co-founder of HECK!, explained that installing the solar panels is a key step towards enhancing sustainability at the factory and moving the company closer to its goal of net zero emissions. This initiative is projected to reduce their carbon footprint by 45 tonnes annually.
The 433 newly installed solar panels will generate 200,000 kWh annually.
“The installation of solar panels is another step we’re taking to ensure industrial sustainability while supporting our quest for net zero. We’ll save 45 tonnes of carbon each year,” Jamie said.
The £150,000 project was supported by a £49,950 grant from the UK government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This fund is a key component of the levelling up agenda, aiming to support local investments with £2.6 billion allocated by March 2025.
Promoting Decarbonization Goal in North Yorkshire
A key objective of the fund is to help businesses achieve net zero and promote the circular economy. Richard Flinton, Chief Executive of North Yorkshire Council, emphasized that supporting the county’s decarbonization is a major priority for the council. He praised the grant’s positive impact in helping HECK! Food install solar panels, noting the importance of supporting quality manufacturers like HECK! in their net zero efforts.
“Supporting the county’s decarbonization is a top priority for the council. It’s fantastic to see this grant have such a positive impact, helping HECK! Food install solar panels,” Flinton stated. “Manufacturers of high-quality products like HECK! are an important part of our economy, and we must support them in their efforts to achieve net zero.”
Over the past three years, HECK! has tracked its Scope 1 and 2 emissions, achieving a 30% reduction. The company has also recently measured its Scope 3 emissions and is now exploring ways to further cut them. This year, they will publish their first annual impact report, detailing the climate impact across their supply chain.
“We have made a promise to our consumers and retail customers to be transparent about our sustainability journey. We’ve been measuring our Scope 1 and 2 emissions for three years, and as a result, we’ve achieved a 30% reduction,” said Jamie Keeble.
HECK! Care Code
In addition to installing solar panels, HECK! is implementing various sustainability initiatives as part of its commitment to achieving net zero. This includes launching the HECK! Care Code, which focuses on projects related to health, the environment, community, and kindness.
“Our Care Code is a four-part strategy designed to create a better HECK! and a better world,” Jamie explained. “It stands for Health, Environment, Community, and Kindness.”
HECK! is distinctive in the industry, producing all of its sausages, meatballs, and burgers in-house, making it the only premium brand to do so. The company has also pledged to maintain transparency in its sustainability efforts.
HECK! Food’s investment in solar energy and its broader sustainability initiatives underline the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact. By achieving significant reductions in carbon emissions and maintaining transparency through its annual impact report, HECK! is setting a strong example for sustainable practices in the industry.