Industry Heavyweights Collaborate To Deliver Rooftop Solar Project

Renewable energy expert, Shawton Energy has partnered with logistics specialist, Knowles Logistics, to deliver a large-scale rooftop solar energy installation at a Wisbech distribution centre site – operated on behalf of international food and drink group, Princes.

The installation – delivered by turnkey solar solutions provider, Shawton Energy – is forecasted to achieve carbon savings of 135 tonnes per year.

Knowles is committed to ensuring its logistics operations are sustainable and progressing towards its target of Net Zero in Warehousing and Transport by 2030 and 2045, respectively.

Commenting on the collaboration, Jamie Shaw, CEO at Shawton Energy, said: “Supporting clients with their green agenda is something we’re proud to be involved in.

“We have a deep understanding of solar within warehousing and food manufacturing sites and can provide tailored, innovative solutions for businesses committed to a greener future.

“Food manufacturers work hard to source and package food in a sustainable way, so it’s only natural that logistics firms want to provide their customers with sites that can run via clean, renewable energy.”

The solar installation will contribute to Princes’ 2030GreenGoals initiative, which outlines the Group’s ambition to become a carbon neutral manufacturing business across its UK and international operations by 2030.

Shawton Energy supports many of Britain’s biggest companies who are looking to make considerable energy savings and quickly deliver on carbon objectives and wider environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals.

The company, which is based at Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, and employs 200 people, aims to deliver more than £100 million worth of investment into high-quality rooftop solar energy projects over the next three years.

Shawton Energy provides solar solutions for an array of food sector clients, including the likes of Heinz, Nestle, and hotels groups such as IHG and Hilton.

Late in 2023, Shawton Energy went into co-ownership with Lazard Asset Management – the respected global investment business – to drive the roll-out of fully funded solar photovoltaic (PV) projects for industrial and commercial clients across the UK.

Shaw, continued: “Mounting pressure and expectation from retailers and consumers is also driving sustainable supply chain practices forward.”

In December 2023, 10 major grocery retailers – including Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and Asda – partnered with Manufacture 2030 to help speed up supply chain decarbonisation.

“As more major supermarkets look to decrease their value chain emissions, and reduce their environmental footprint, Scope 3 Emissions will continue to become a bigger topic for food manufacturers and the sites where they operate.

“Working with businesses such as Knowles Logistics, demonstrates how, in partnership, Shawton can deliver large-scale solutions that deliver outstanding results.

“We look forward to growing our relationship with Knowles and continuing to establish ourselves as market leaders in delivering end-to-end food and drink solar solutions,” concluded Shaw.

Alex Knowles, managing Director of Knowles Logistics, added: “At Knowles, we are well on the sustainability journey and are always looking for ways to enhance green energy production across our 2 million sq/ft warehousing portfolio.

“Not only does this help us to significantly offset our environmental impact but enables our customers to benefit from the most sustainable supply chain solutions.

“Our recent partnership with Shawton Energy plays an important part in helping us achieve our sustainability goals.”