Energy savings from environmental projects for Oakland International

Multi temperature supply chain and logistics specialist, Oakland International, has appointed Loughborough University graduate, Kath Turner, to the position of Renewable Project Coordinator to work on a host of environmental schemes, which the companyhopes will accelerate their goal of becoming fully carbon neutral.

Having previously worked on energy, sustainability and community based development projects, including working for a spell as a community volunteer in Sri Lanka, Kath’s full attention is now firmly set on taking the company to new environmental heights.

Said Kath: “The physical environment at Oakland International is extremely fast moving and exciting, so I am delighted to have been asked to join the team in helping to work towards becoming a carbon neutral organisation, both here in the UK and in Ireland.”

To date Kath has been involved in helping put forward cases for utilising Photovoltaic Solar Panels, installing LED lighting to all of Oakland International’s Redditch site, and other energy efficient measures; a move that could potentially deliver savings in excess of £70,000, which is a reduction in energy consumption by around 35%. Furthermore, plans to expand an existing sustainable reed bed sewage system have been designed, and research is underway on a feasibility study for a biomass food digester (to convert food waste in to mineral rich fertilizer). Plans are also underway to purchase their first electric car having already been approved as a public charging access point under the Midlands Plugged in Places scheme.

In her environmental role Kath will also support the monitoring and measuring of Oakland International’s energy usage through the use of smart metering, to create a true carbon footprint for the business as it moves forward whilst also allowing for targeted year-by-year energy and waste reduction. From three major projects alone, Oakland International has the potential to save a massive 595,059 kWh of energy.

Oakland’s MD, Dean Attwell, stated: “I wish to congratulate Kath on her appointment – she has great drive and focus, powering our energy reduction agenda forward and with many projects still at the development stage that she will be delivering over the next 2 years. This month we have installed new energy efficient Rointe radiators with the help of City Electrical Factors, so we are now looking forward to seeing the savings in our next energy bill. February will see the installation of our solar panels which will generate up to 50kva of electricity, enough to power all of our offices and one of our chillers. With so much more still on the horizon, the future looks very bright!”

Issued: 18/01/2012