Freeths advises on launch of UK’s first ever low-carbon food production campus

National law firm Freeths has advised SmartParc on the development of an innovative low carbon energy solution for a major food production and distribution hub in Derby.

The Energy Centre at SmartParc SEGRO Derby is the first of its kind in the food industry.

Supported by Veolia and covering an extensive area of two million sq ft, the network will see the latest technologies supply an essential heating and cooling system for food manufacturers which recycles heat from refrigeration plants and reuses it to heat water and offices. This will lower carbon usage across storage, processing, space heating, and hygiene activities, enabling sustainable food production.

Between 2024 and 2030, the system is anticipated to provide an annual CO2e saving of circa 27,000 tons compared with an equivalent system. A minimum annual seasonal efficiency of 400% is guaranteed to the tenants – over four times more efficient than gas boilers.

The Freeths team was led by Adam Watson, Managing Partner of Freeths Bristol, supported by Clean Energy Partner Clare King and Associate Samantha Osborne, Banking & Finance Partner Ben Moylan, and Real Estate Managing Associate Danielle Sinclair.

Commenting on the deal, Adam Watson said: “It’s been a wonderful journey advising SmartParc on this innovative project, from inception to opening. The first of its kind in Britain, this community is guaranteed to be a game changer across the sector.”

This launch is the latest in a series of deals for Freeths in the clean energy sector and follows the recent announcement of the firm’s B Corp accreditation.