Oakland International has been shortlisted for Sustainable Cold Chain Operator 2026 in the Cold Chain Federation Awards, recognising a business that isn’t just talking about sustainability, but actively reshaping what a low carbon cold chain looks like.
A family business with farming roots, Oakland set a bold net zero target for 2040 and has been measuring its full carbon footprint across Scopes 1, 2 and 3 since 2021. Despite rapid expansion, the business continues to drive its carbon intensity down by nearly 20%, dropping from 348 to 291 tCO?e per £m revenue, proof that smarter growth can also be cleaner growth.
Sustainability Officer Elinor Smith said: “Being shortlisted is fantastic recognition, but for us sustainability isn’t an initiative, it’s the backbone of how we operate. Every site, every team and every partner plays their part, and that collective effort is what drives real change. From solar powered depots to food waste rescue and packaging innovation, sustainability runs through every inch of our network. This nomination reflects their ambition as much as ours, and it shows how powerful collaboration can be when you design sustainability into every decision.”
In one of the cold chain’s most emissions intensive areas, Oakland International is proving that growth and decarbonisation can, and must, go hand in hand. The business has cut Scope 2 emissions by 98% through a complete switch to certified renewable electricity, supported by significant on site solar investment. Across Redditch, Corby and Bardon, solar arrays now generate 2.24MWp, enough to power around 450 homes, and its new 2025 Knottingley depot has become a model for energy efficient cold storage, with A rated insulation, smart temperature controls and low energy refrigeration.
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