Sustainability

Biomass heating system

At our state-of-the-art glasshouse growing facility in Norfolk, we are committed to sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices. Our heating system is the cornerstone of this commitment, integrating advanced biomass technology to ensure efficient and green energy production. Our four biomass boilers are fuelled by wood-chips. This renewable energy source significantly reduces our carbon footprint, when compared with traditional fossil fuels.

Our choice of biomass aligns with our goal of minimising environmental impact while maintaining optimal growing conditions for our strawberries. By harnessing renewable energy, we not only support our local economy but also contribute to the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Solar panels

We have invested in just under 10,000 square metres of solar photovoltaic array, generating clean electricity to power our farm operations.

We are increasing our energy independence and reducing our carbon footprint and environmental impact.

Reservoirs

Water management is becoming increasingly important due to climate change. We currently have 20 hectares of reservoirs across Charltons holding 90 million gallons of water.

This network of reservoirs bolsters our water security for crop irrigation.

The reservoirs help to ensure that we have sufficient water supplies and also reduce our dependency on the mains water supply.

Using complex drainage systems we are able to harness rainfall runoff from our 24 hectares of glasshouse and Cravo tunnels to replenish our reservoir reserves.

Conservation

Charltons takes responsibility for conservation seriously.

We have set aside over 11% of our farmed hectares to conservation, this includes woodlands, reservoirs, wild flower meadows and grasslands.

Regular surveys are completed to monitor the wildlife across our farms to ensure a healthy and diverse habitat. We plant Phacelia seeds to encourage the bees and insects and provide bird boxes and bee hotels all made from recycled materials from the farm.

Cravo growing system

At our Church Farm site in Kent, we invested in the Cravo system, which covers 12 hectares of strawberries.

Cravo is a retractable roof and wall system which allows us automatic protection and climate optimisation through the fully automated opening and closing of the roof based on outdoor weather conditions.

When the roof is fully closed, all rain water run off can be captured and stored in its own designated reservoir, which we then use for irrigation; therefore making Cravo 100% self- sufficient.

Increased plant health also helps to reduce the use of fungicides.

Waste/recycling

We are continuously seeking opportunities to recycle our waste materials wherever possible.

Maintaining our focus on the efficient management of key wastes such as fruit, cardboard and plastic, we are reducing our environmental impact and promoting a greener future.

All of the fruit that does not meet the packing grade is sent to a local anaerobic digestion plant which makes biogas – a renewable source of energy.