Sustainability Info
Renewable Energy & Efficiency Initiatives
Due to the temperature-controlled facility we operate, we have partnered with the Bristol Energy cooperative to install Solar panels across 100% of our useable roof space. This was a 2-stage process over a 5 year period which we completed in August of 2023. This had dramatically increased our usage of renewable clean energy and decreased our reliance on fossil fuels.
The Bristol Energy Co-Op who installed the solar panels are a non-profit organisation with any money generated from customers directed to over 50 community groups in the Bristol area via the Megawatt Community Energy Fund via ‘Ambition Lawrence Weston’.
This installation will reduce our carbon emissions by an estimated 34.5 tonnes per annum.
(Picture of our roof space below)
Environmental Transport Initiatives
With transport/fuel costs being the one of the largest and increasing expenditures we incur in our day-to-day operations and the largest factor in the carbon emissions we produce. We strive to make the largest reduction in carbon emissions and cost in this area. These initiatives and policies are listed below.
· Our Vans are all emissions tested annually to gauge the amount of carbon produced by each vehicle. All vehicles are now Euro VI compliant to ensure the highest efficiency of carbon emissions from each vehicle.
· We evaluate all vans to ensure we are getting the best balance of Fuel efficiency and load space.
· In August of 2022 we introduced multi drop delivery routing software (Maxoptra), this ensures that all routes planned by our transport department are as efficient as possible. This has reduced the amount of fuel used and our impact on the environment. This has also reduced the wear and tear on the vehicles making our vehicles more fuel efficient for longer.
· Our drivers’ speeds are monitored daily using our online tracking programme. This ensures that there is no excessive speeding, primarily for driver and other road user safety but this also helps reduce fuel consumption as lowering your average speed on the motorway to 70 mph from 80mph will save you 25% in fuel and in turn decrease our carbon emissions.
· We also back load product from our suppliers where possible. This reduces the food miles from deliveries made to us and takes vehicle off the road. In addition, making our product more cost effective as we are reducing our suppliers transport costs.
· In 2019 we are looking at the feasibility of using electric vehicles. Initially on a local basis due to limited range of vehicles, and as technology and mileage range of electric goods vehicles improve, we will look to see if we can expand this trial onto other routes.
Additional Sustainability Initiatives
Plastic Usage Reduction
Use of plastic vacuum pack bags are a necessity for use within the food industry to ensure product integrity and shelf life. JSB have implemented the use of a reduced plastic vacuum pack bag which uses 10% less plastic.
This reduces our plastic usage by 2.5 tonnes per annum.
Refrigeration Temperature Monitoring
We have recently installed a remote refrigeration monitoring system in all fridges/freezers on our premises. This software continually monitors the temperatures of our fridges and helps us to maintain the temperature and efficiency of our fridges. This ensures our fridges are running as energy efficient as possible.
Switch to LED Lighting
We have switched all lighting on the premises from Halogen and fluorescent lighting to energy efficient LED lighting. LED light bulbs use around 15 times less electricity than halogen bulbs, and around 3 times less than CFL bulbs. For the same amount of light, over the same amount of time, LED light bulbs use far less power. Using less energy reduces your carbon footprint because generating electricity produces CO2 (Carbon Dioxide). This has reduced our carbon footprint by approx. 2 tonnes annually.
EcoVadis Rating
To help us monitor, evaluate, maintain, and most importantly improve our sustainability and our impact on the planet and our local community.
We are pleased to be partnered with Ecovadis; the EcoVadis Rating covers a broad range of non-financial management systems including Environmental, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement impacts.
John Sheppard Butchers Ltd – Carbon Reduction Plan
As John Sheppard Butchers progress on our journey to reduce carbon emissions we have undertaken a carbon reduction plan. We are making good progress in each area but have summarised the main areas that we are focusing on below.
1. Source Locally:
Prioritize local meat suppliers wherever possible to minimize transportation emissions.
2. Energy-Efficient Equipment:
Upgrade to energy-efficient refrigeration and processing equipment as well as motion censored lighting etc.
3. Waste Reduction:
Implement a comprehensive waste management plan to minimize food and packaging waste. This includes our move to lower micron vacuum pouches, saving c.2.5 tonnes of plastic a year.
4. Renewable Energy:
Transition to renewable energy sources for powering operations. This includes our solar investment where up to 50% of our energy used on site comes from renewable energy.
5. Sustainable Packaging:
Continue to research eco-friendly packaging materials to reduce environmental impact.
6. Efficient Routes:
Plan and optimize delivery routes to minimize fuel consumption. This includes our investment in Max Optra and backloading policy.
7. Green Certifications:
Seek certifications like Carbon Trust Standard to showcase commitment to sustainability. We also monitor our progress by signing up to Ecovadis where our scope 1 to 3 emissions are monitored.
8. Employee Training:
Educate staff on energy-saving practices and the importance of sustainability and recycling.
9. Carbon Offsetting:
Research and invest in carbon offset programs to balance unavoidable emissions.
