Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) has announced that it has begun sourcing its electricity from 100 per cent renewable sources.
Launching a new solar farm to support production in Wakefield, the electricity is supplied by EDF Energy, which has been certified renewable by Ofgem.
CCEP Wakefield’s commitment follows the launch of a £1 million combined heat and power system in 2014.
It was claimed that the initiative saved 1,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, which is the equivalent of a 5.6 per cent reduction.
The company predicts that the new solar farm would save 3,888 tonnes of CO2 per year thanks to the new solar farm and its existing systems.
Nick Brown, head of sustainability at CCEP, said:
The Wakefield solar farm is a long-term sustainability project for CCEP, capable of producing up to 5MW of energy at full capacity.
“We have been collaborating with partners across GB to build our renewable energy credentials and have enjoyed working together with a number of local groups and businesses in Wakefield to support this.”
The solar panels find themselves approximately 1.5 miles from the plant and have been installed by Athos Solar on fields belonging to a local landowner.
The site shall remain open for grazing animals.
Trevor Newman, operations director at CCEP, Wakefield said:
We’re delighted to be producing Coca-Cola, and our other brands, with solar energy in Wakefield. Whilst still providing good grazing for Stephen’s sheep, the farm produces green energy for Coca-Cola European Partners, supporting our commitment to use 100% electricity from renewable sources here in Great Britain.
“We’re proud to be a local company making one of the most recognisable brands in the world in a sustainable way here in Wakefield, working together with a number of local groups and businesses to achieve this.”
John Newton, associate director of the advocacy group The Carbon Trust hailed CCEP’s progress:
Over the past decade [CCEP] has continuously made impressive reductions in its environmental impact, at the same time as taking a strong leadership position on sustainability issues.
“This new move to purchase renewable electricity is yet another positive step forwards from the company, demonstrating that the business case for going low-carbon is no barrier to commercial success.”
