Butchery brand running on the weather
PERTHSHIRE butchery brand Simon Howie has powered on to renewable energy with the installation of a new wind turbine and solar panels.
Marking a major step towards net zero for Simon Howie Group, the butchers now makes use of its new 104m high wind turbine and 3,800 solar panels on the company’s land.
The new launch follows on from years of planning and months of installation, says Simon Howie, with the system officially switched on on 30 September. As a result, the butchery brand is now forecast to produce over 120% of the energy the business needs purely from Scottish sun and wind power – reducing its carbon emissions by over 500 tonnes per year.
Simon Howie said the change comes just in time for the business’ peak operating months – from October to February – covering off the demand for Christmas, New Year and Burns Night at the end of January.
In addition to the more sustainable operating system, the Perthshire butcher now hires over 130 staff members, and increase of over 20 from this time last year.
Simon Howie, owner of Simon Howie Group, said: “After two years of planning, it’s wonderful to see our renewable energy system now live.
“Getting the wind turbine and solar panels operational has been a logistical challenge but will reap rewards both for us as a business but also for our customers and consumers as it allows us to do all we can to protect them from energy-related price hikes.
“We take our responsibilities to the planet very seriously. The climate emergency is real and as one of Scotland’s biggest food manufacturers we are committed to a more sustainable future.
“We hope that by showcasing the environmental and commercial benefits of renewable energy, we can encourage other food and drink manufacturers to consider how they can consider a more responsible future.”
