Energy

Reducing fossil fuel consumption is our foremost challenge. We respond by improving manufacturing processes, increasing distribution efficiency and embracing alternative energy sources.


  • Smarter administration, logistics and distribution – Server virtualisation at Bidvest Asia Pacific has resulted in an annual energy saving of approximately 132 000kWh. Kolok has moved to a fully computerised paperless warehouse. At Waltons, smarter management allows us to increase direct deliveries, reducing handling, stockholding, obsolescence, lead times and transport costs. All divisions, particularly Bidfood, Bidfreight, Bidserv and Bidvest Europe, have worked to optimise transport routes, upgrade tyres, instal smart truck tracking and train drivers to conserve fuel. At Bidvest Europe, diesel consumption is down 1,5%.
  • Conserving energy from heat exchange – Laundry Services spent R4,8 million on a heat exchange system expected to save 15% on their annual consumption of 15 000 tons of coal. The Pambula distribution centre (in New South Wales) has installed a system that takes waste heat from refrigeration to heat water for cleaning.
  • Green building – Energy-saving technologies are specified at our newly built warehouses, including energy-efficient lighting, voltage-optimisation equipment and photovoltaic systems for battery charging.
  • Alternative fuel – We have doubled the use of ethanol-based fuel in Australasia and increased our use of biodiesel recycled from cooking oil in the UK by 40% to 2,8 million litres. In South Africa, Bidfood and Bidserv are experimenting with biodiesel for their trucks. 3663 in the United Kingdom now sources 98% of its electricity from renewable sources via sustainable suppliers to the national grid.