Heck! Food has installed 433 solar panels at its headquarters in Kirklington, Bedale. These panels can 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 implemented solar energy solutions at its headquarters in Kirklington, Bedale. They have set up 433 solar panels that will produce 200,000 kWh per year, supplying 20% of the factory's energy requirements.
Jamie Keeble, co-founder of HECK!, stated that installing solar panels was a step towards enhancing sustainability at their factory and advancing their goal of achieving net zero emissions. This initiative will reduce their carbon footprint by 45 tonnes annually.
Heck has installed 433 solar panels, generating 200,000 kWh annually.
“The installation of solar panels was a further attempt to ensure industrial sustainability while supporting our quest to net zero. We'll save 45 tonnes of carbon each year,” Jamie said.
The project — which required a total investment of £150,000 — received a £49,950 grant from the UK government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This fund is a key component of the levelling up agenda. It aims to support local investments, with £2.6 billion allocated by March 2025.
Promoting Decarbonization Goal in North Yorkshire
A key objective is to assist businesses in achieving net zero and promoting the circular economy. Richard Flinton, Chief Executive of North Yorkshire Council, highlighted that aiding the county's decarbonization is a major priority for the council. He praised the positive impact of the grant in enabling HECK! Food to install solar panels, noting the importance of supporting quality manufacturers like HECK! in their efforts to achieve net zero.
“Supporting the county's decarbonisation is a top goal for the council. It is fantastic to see this donation have such a good influence in assisting HECK! Food for installing solar panels,” Flinton stated. “Manufacturers of high-quality products such as HECK!, are an important element of the economy, and they must be encouraged in their efforts to achieve net zero.”
Over the past three years, HECK! has tracked its Scope 1 and 2 emissions and achieved a 30% reduction. They have also recently measured their Scope 3 emissions and are now exploring ways to further cut emissions. 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 demonstrate a transparent sustainability journey. We've been measuring our Scope 1 and 2 industry standards emissions for three years, and as a result, we've accomplished a 30% reduction in emissions,”
HECK! Care Code
Besides 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. It represents Health, Environment, Community, and Kindness.” Jamie explained.
HECK! is distinctive in the industry, producing all of its sausages, meatballs, and burgers in-house, thus making it the only premium brand to do so. The company has 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 their annual impact report, HECK! is setting a strong example in the industry for sustainable practices.