ANM invests to improve its environmental footprint

Investment by ANM Group is set to improve the business's environmental footprint for the next generation.

To date, the group has invested significantly in a programme of improvements, which includes increasing the sustainability of the operation at Thainstone, with plug-in hybrid cars for its staff, solar power, a biomass boiler, waste recycling and low-emission machinery all driving down its carbon footprint.

Chief executive Grant Rogerson said: "Throughout our 150th anniversary year, ANM Group is celebrating the positive actions that are underway across Scottish agriculture to tackle climate change.

"The sector is starting in a good place, with red meat production responsible for a fraction of emissions compared to other industries, but we all need to take measures to safeguard our environment and natural resources for the next generation.

"At Thainstone, we are leading by example – rather than offsetting our emissions, we are reducing them on-site. By making these improvements now, we can improve the sustainability of everything we do, and continue to give value to members over the next 150 years."

ANM Group are also taking more focused steps, making numerous investments within the Thainstone Centre and estate that are cutting greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency.

Solar panels and a biomass system installed at the Thainstone Centre mean that heating and hot water is powered through clean, green energy.

In addition the company's vehicle fleet is moving to a plug-in hybrid system, and they have already installed electric vehicle charging points across the estate to support staff and visitors who use electric cars.

By managing the impact of outputs, they are making good progress towards operating a circular economy across the Thainstone estate.

For example, water from washing is used to irrigate the farmland on the site, and sewerage is managed efficiently through a reed bed filtration system which reduces waste and acts as a natural filter, removing pollutants from the water.

Like any agricultural business, they are also taking steps to manage waste more efficiently, with the installation of waste recycling and compactor facilities on site to reduce our landfill.

And, of course, they use recyclable materials from the wrap to store bales, through to the cutlery in the restaurants.

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