Dairy processors have already surpassed the 2020 target of a 13.6 per cent improvement in energy efficiency set by the sectors Climate Change Agreement scheme, as well as reaching the 2020 Dairy Roadmap target of 15 per cent.
Dr Judith Bryans, Chief Executive of Dairy UK, said: “Environmental sustainability is paramount to the dairy industry and it is extremely encouraging to see such positive results.
«These figures clearly show that we are taking our environmental responsibilities very seriously.”
The sustainability improvements have been attributed to moves towards more efficient equipment, technologies and product mixes, fuel switches and increased employee engagement.
Many sites have also started to map their energy use patterns to identify energy hotspots where reductions can be made. As a result, this has led to efficiency improvements in steam generation, refrigeration and compressed air.
A recent study also showed that further opportunities for improvement include the reduction of Cleaning in Place (CIP) water consumption and temperature, and recent trials in a number of dairies have shown promising results.
Gerry Sweeney, Chairman of Dairy Energy Savings, said: “These results tell us that the scheme continues to drive improvement in the dairy sector.
«The figures indicate that dairy companies are committed to their sustainability goals in a pragmatic and purposeful way.”
Source: TheCattleSite