Environment

The Society's environmental programme has received 15 national and local awards since its launch in 1999 which is a reflection of its commitment to environmental issues and evidence of its leadership within the sector.

Food Group has recently opened Sandbach Model Convenience Store which has been designed to save energy. It is fitted with cutting edge technology such as a "Synergy" refrigeration system that uses reclaimed heat to provide the energy source for the air conditioning system. Other initiatives include an energy-efficient lighting system which was designed using a 3D computer simulation package.

During the financial year 2005-06, the Society's comparable energy use was reduced by 25,623,004 KWh, a reduction of over 14%.

The Society also reduced waste as a result of its minimisation programme over the 2005-2006 financial year resulting in a 46% reduction in landfill and an increase of over 78% in recycling. The Society now recycles more than 5,950 tonnes of cardboard, plastic and paper per annum, the equivalent of 804 double-decker buses. Not only has this saved £190,000 per year on waste removal costs but has generated more than £350,000 per annum from the resale of cardboard and plastic.