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Global Brands, a Chesterfield-based drinks supplier, has been awarded a £100,000 grant from the Clay Cross Town Deal’s Low Carbon Challenge Fund to advance its sustainability initiatives. The funding will support the company’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and work towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
The grant will enable Global Brands to implement several energy-efficient technologies at its Clay Cross distribution centre. These upgrades include the installation of energy-efficient lighting, the introduction of battery storage to harness solar power, and the establishment of an onsite Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuelling station. These initiatives are expected to significantly reduce emissions from the company’s distribution operations.
Global Brands is aiming for a 40% reduction in emissions per £M turnover by 2030, with an ultimate goal of a 92% reduction by 2050. The company has already taken steps towards sustainability, with over half of its warehouse energy now generated by solar panels and a plan to switch its entire logistics fleet to zero-carbon by 2050.
Shaun Bacon, group managing and financial director at Global Brands, emphasised the importance of the investment, stating that adopting energy-efficient solutions and alternative fuels is essential for reducing the company’s environmental impact. He expressed hopes that the company’s actions would inspire other businesses in the community to pursue similar sustainability goals.
The grant is part of a broader initiative by the North East Derbyshire District Council’s Low Carbon Challenge Fund, which supports businesses in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Lee Barned, chair of the Clay Cross Town Board, praised the ease of the grant process and the positive impact it is having on local businesses’ sustainability journeys.
