Selected Case Study - October 2007 – Caledonian Cheese
Stranraer-based Caledonian Cheese Company Ltd is setting new standards for outstanding commitment to energy saving and environmentally friendly initiatives.
The 2006 winner of the VIBES ‘best large company’ award in the south of Scotland is already well known as a manufacturer of cheddar cheeses including supermarket favorite: Seriously Strong, which recently fought off competition from 866 of the UK’s best cheeses to be named Supreme Champion 2007 at the British Cheese Awards.
Caledonian Cheese Company Ltd also produce whey powder and sweet cream butter and it is now establishing a strong track record for maintaining the environment.
Last year’s VIBES judges were impressed by their extensive local programme which shows immense innovation and commitment to minimising energy consumption as well as reducing their outgoing expenditure.
One of the company’s main initiatives is to reduce their use of resources without reducing their rate of production. The use of borehole water reduced their water bill by a staggering 85 per cent and their electricity consumption was also reduced by making improvements such as installing speed and pressure controlled switches and upgrading the compressed air distribution system.
Further initiatives include approving all suppliers and their environmental policy, using local companies where possible, recycling and using recycled material and on-going environmental awareness training for all managers and operators.
In addition Caledonian Cheese Company Ltd employs a dedicated member of staff whose role it is to implement the environmental management system – ensuring environmental matters are at the forefront of everyday business. This also ensures that those issues are discussed at board meetings, ‘Safety Health and Environment’ meetings and at monthly team meetings.
Katherine Elliott, Technical Manager commented: “Environmental management is a major aspect of our business and awareness of our impact is paramount to our business strategy and environmental policy.
“Our team all work incredibly hard to ensure we are as environmentally friendly as possible and being recognised by VIBES for our commitment is an immense honour.”
There are three categories in the 2007 awards: Businesses with more than 250 employees (large); businesses with between 50 and 250 employees (medium) and businesses with less than 50 employees (small).
Additional winners may receive a general VIBES award or an award specifying exceptional work in “Product/Service", "Management" or "Process".
The VIBES competition is supported and managed by a partnership of organisations in Scotland: CBI Scotland; Envirowise; Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland; Forward Scotland; Highlands and Islands Enterprise; National Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection (NSCA); Scottish Enterprise; Scottish Environment Protection Agency; Scottish Executive and Scottish Water Business Stream.
VIBES Awards are sponsored by Rolls-Royce Inchinnan and Chivas Brothers - Pernod Ricard.
For more information on Caledonian Cheese Limited, please contact Katherine Elliott on 01776 702 127 or visit www.caledonian-cheese.co.uk
For further information about how your business can benefit from entering VIBES, contact VIBES coordinator Linsey McGillivray on 01896 754797 or log on to www.vibes.org.uk. Applications should be completed by 30 June 2006.