Investing in a Greener Future: MPO Environmental Initiatives In 2023

Climate crisis is already causing drastic problems around the world and we are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental challenges we face. Investing in environmental initiatives that promote sustainability and eco-friendliness is not just a trend but a responsibility. 

As growers try to balance finances and environmental responsibilities, making investments into our farms has never been more important. These investments not only promise attractive returns but also contribute to a healthier planet.

In 2023 we completed a number of environmental investments.

Investments into re-covering and insulation of growing tunnels

By investing in mushroom growing tunnels, we can make significant reductions in energy expenditure.

Earlier this year, we invested into the insulation and re-covering of 2 tunnels at J McCanns. This has allowed for more cost-effective production, especially now that energy prices have increased substantially. We expect that this investment will result in a massive saving in heat loss of 54.5%. 

We expect the re-covering and insulation of one tunnel to bring savings of 7815.89kg of CO2 per year.

At two of our other growers sites: a further three tunnels were reinsulated and re-covered. 

This equates to a minimum 26,153kg reduction in CO2 next year. We plan to continue to invest in energy savings at more of our sites in the incoming months.

LED Lighting

LED lights emit less heat, maintaining optimal temperatures without unnecessary energy expenditure. They can be controlled more precisely, enabling our growers to tailor lighting conditions to the specific needs of different mushroom varieties. This not only enhances growth rates and yields but also significantly reduces energy consumption compared to traditional lighting methods. They also last much longer, reducing the frequency of replacements.

Our farm in Suffolk is now 100% LED for all growing tunnels, resulting in 56% energy savings.

We have also invested this year in LED lighting in 3 tunnels at J McCann’s.

Mushrooms are inherently sustainable

The cultivation of mushrooms itself is inherently sustainable, as it requires minimal water and space compared to traditional crops. Mushroom cultivation has the unique ability to upcycle organic waste materials, such as agricultural by-products, turning them into a valuable and nutritious food source.

By continuing our investments into making our growers farms more sustainable, we are helping to grow an even more sustainable future for the industry.