James Wilson (Orkney) Ltd, known locally as Wilson’s, is Orkney’s longest established cash and carry and delivered wholesale service. It supplies all of the island’s local authority food outlets - including the hospital, schools, and care homes -as well as independent retailers and hospitality businesses.
Based in Stromness, the company has a dedicated team of 18 employees and has been a proactive force in environmental sustainability since 2017. That year, an internal review identified energy efficiency measures as a way to achieve potentially significant cost savings.
Sustainability Journey
In 2017, the first action by Wilson’s was to replace the fluorescent lighting with LED lights throughout the warehouse and office.
Since then, Wilson’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions has been accelerated through its engagement as members of the Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA). The company has leveraged SWA’s guidance and connections to access national opportunities that support its sustainability goals.
Energy Efficiency Assessment
In 2021, one opportunity highlighted by the SWA, a business energy efficiency assessment carried out by Dr Clare Carden, was commissioned thanks to funding from Zero Waste Scotland.
The assessment identified a potential 38% reduction in carbon emissions from Wilson’s electricity use, equivalent to 35.91 tonnes of CO₂e annually, and estimated annual cost savings of £9,791 from energy efficiency opportunities in refrigeration, office heating and insulation, hot water, and the introduction of solar PV panels.
The assessment report became a strategic roadmap, instilling confidence and enabling the company to conduct cost-benefit analyses and prioritise projects based on impact and return on investment.
Download the James Wilson Food & Drink Wholesaler Case Study here.
