Dairy industry makes sweeping emissions reductions

Dairy processors in the UK have cut energy use for the eighth year in a row to meet their targets under the Climate Change Agreement.

In fact, dairies and creameries have saved emissions of 40,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide since 2000, according to new figures from Dairy Energy Savings, which administers the agreement in the dairy sector. It is a remarkable achievement in view of the fact that throughput at sites in the CCA has risen 20% over the same period.

Speaking after a recent board meeting, DES Chairman Gerry Sweeney said: "The dairy sector is now using 11% less energy to produce each pint of milk or block of cheese than it did eight years ago.

"This is more great news for the environment, as the impact of dairy production falls. Dairy foods, which account for some £8bn of retail sales every year and form a hugely popular part of the nation’s diet, are becoming greener.

"And emissions reductions are just one part of a sweeping programme of green measures. Under the Milk Roadmap, dairy companies are also slashing the waste they send to landfill, reducing the water needed to produce each pint of milk and using more and more recycled plastic in milk bottles."

There are 106 major dairy production sites registered in the sector’s Climate Change Agreement. Some 65% passed the last CCA milestone target without needing to buy in carbon allowances. All sites have been recertified and the sector hit its target. As a result, DES has saved members some £4.5m through a reduction in the Climate Change Levy.