Knowles Logistics partners with Shawton Energy to deliver carbon-cutting solar panel installation

The investment is part of Knowles Logistics’ wider plans to deliver net zero warehousing by 2030 and net zero transport by 2045.

Fitted by solar energy expert Shawton Energy in June this year, the installation offers clean and renewable energy at the Wisbech site in Cambridgeshire, which is operated on behalf of Princes, an international food and drink group.

Alex Knowles, Knowles Logistics MD, said: “At Knowles, we are well on the sustainability journey and are always looking for ways to enhance green energy production across our two million square foot 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.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Jamie Shaw, Shawton Energy chief executive, 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 also contributes to Princes’ 2030 GreenGoals initiative, which outlines the group’s ambition to become a carbon neutral manufacturing business across its UK and international operations by 2030.

Shawton Energy provides turnkey solar solutions for an array of food sector clients, including Heinz, Nestle, and hotels groups such as IHG and Hilton. The company, which is based at Newton-le-Willows in Merseyside, employs 200 people and aims to deliver more than £100m of investment into high-quality rooftop solar energy projects over the next three years.

Since 2023 it has been co-owned by global investment firm Lazard Asset Management in a deal aimed at rolling out fully funded solar photovoltaic (PV) projects for industrial and commercial clients across the UK.

Shaw added: ”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 the green initiative 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.”