Savings for members under new CCA Scheme

THE SCHEME will provide members with an estimated £11 million in energy bill savings per year until at least March 2033.

To benefit from these savings, participating cold storage businesses must commit to energy efficiency targets. Failure to meet targets incurs a penalty fee, known as a carbon buyout. CCF has successfully negotiated a reduction in the proposed target from 20% to 11% by 2030, measured against a 2022 benchmark year.

Cold Chain Federation chief executive Phil Pluck, says: “The CCA is a vital catalyst to the adoption of more energy efficient technology and one that will allow the cold chain sector to better supply life saving medicine and food in times of crisis. The CCF welcomes the ongoing support for the sector in achieving its goal of net zero.”

Tom Southall, deputy chief executive, Cold Chain Federation, adds: “The 20% target originally proposed by the government was clearly unachievable and risked undermining business confidence in the scheme and significantly increasing financial penalties for our members. By utilising data from businesses to demonstrate an alternative target that was still challenging, but feasible, we have secured a deal that delivers for the cold storage industry whilst supporting the government’s efforts to move towards net zero.”

As well as an 11% target by 2030, the CCF has also secured favourable interim energy efficiency targets which cold storage businesses must also meet:

• 4.75% by the end of 2026
• 7.75% by the end of 2028

Additionally, from January 2026, new sites will be able to join the CCA Scheme at any time, replacing the previous system of limited ‘windows’ every few years, providing businesses with more flexibility to participate.