Sysco Belfast's New £23m Hub Powers Up Green Initiatives for the Community

Great news for North Belfast! Sysco Belfast, the specialist foodservice provider, has recently unveiled its state-of-the-art £23 million facility right here in our city. Opened in September, this modern hub is not just a new building; Sysco is making significant waves with a range of impressive sustainability initiatives aimed at setting a new standard for a greener supply chain across the island of Ireland.

The new facility, built to high BREEAM environmental standards, is brimming with eco-friendly features designed to benefit the environment and our local communities. On-site, you’ll find 2,600 high-efficiency solar panels, expected to generate a significant 16% of the facility's annual electricity needs. Smart rainwater harvesting systems are also in place, reducing reliance on mains water and supporting operations in a truly eco-conscious way.

Sysco has installed a cutting-edge natural refrigeration system with a minimal global warming potential, which is far more efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional methods. This innovative system even repurposes waste heat to provide underfloor heating and hot water for the site. And for their extensive fleet of delivery vehicles, Sysco is embracing Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel. This year, over 20% of their Northern Ireland fleet will operate on HVO, with ambitious plans to expand this to 55% across Ireland by the end of 2027, dramatically reducing carbon emissions by approximately 6,800 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent once fully implemented.

Beyond the operational changes, there are also biodiversity enhancements around the site, showcasing a holistic approach to environmental responsibility. Mark Lee, Chief Executive of Sysco Ireland, highlighted their commitment: “At Sysco, sustainability is a core value and a business imperative. From how we power our fleet to how we build our facilities, we’re making strategic, long-term decisions that support a more sustainable future for our customers, colleagues, and communities.”

These comprehensive efforts are part of Sysco’s broader commitment to lessening their environmental footprint while also helping their customers achieve their own sustainability goals. Their wider company target aims to reduce significant operational emissions by 27.5% by 2030, demonstrating a serious long-term dedication to a greener future for everyone.