Scottish Sea Farms has won the Sustainability Award from The Association for Renewable Energy & Clean Technology (REA). The annual ceremony was held yesterday at Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens, UK.

REA founded the awards in 2006. The aim is to highlight the next ‘game changers’. Recognizing those organizations and individuals making real and measurable progress towards net zero.

Thereby, the award was for Scottish Sea Farms’ carbon footprint-friendly initiatives; from increasing the uptake of renewable energies to rethinking waste to create circular economy products. In the same category were companies like BrewDog and Veolia, amongst others.

During the ceremony, Scottish Sea Farms’ Head of Sustainability & Development, Anne Anderson said: “It helps that salmon farming has one of the lowest carbon footprints of all the livestock farming sectors. This is a great starting point.”

“At a company level, we’re taking these strong credentials even further. Working in collaboration with like-minded supply partners and customers to set a new bar for sustainability within the sector,” she added.

Biomass energy benefits

In addition, AMP Clean Energy has contributed to the company’s achievements. Through the design, installation, and maintenance of the biomass energy system that helps heat the company’s flagship Barcaldine Hatchery.

Moreover, Bruno Berardelli, Head of Asset Services at AMP Clean Energy, said: “By using the locally sourced wood chip to provide much of the facility’s heat and hot water, the 600kw system saves 683 tonnes of carbon annually compared with oil. This proves that biomass energy has a key role to play in net-zero food production.”

Further, he commented: “To see that key role recognized as part of such a coveted award can only be beneficial in terms of helping raise awareness of what’s already available. Also, what more might be achieved through further collaboration.”

Finally, Anderson talked about Scottish Sea Farms’ plans: “Making provision for a hydro scheme at the Barcaldine Hatchery to reduce fuel consumption further. To connect remote marine farms to mains power where possible. Where not, trialing the potential of wave and tidal generated energy. We’re also looking at repurposing fallow farms to support renewable energy projects.”

Less than a month ago, Scottish Sea Farms obtained its first Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification.