Understanding carbon emissions is the first step toward meaningful reduction, and for businesses with complex supply chains, measuring and managing emissions is particularly challenging. The food manufacturing sector faces unique sustainability pressures, from energy-intensive production processes to supply chain emissions that span raw material sourcing, transport, and waste management. Over the last number of years, we’ve work with The Culinary Food Group (TCFG), part of the Queally Group, one of Ireland’s largest privately owned agri-food businesses. Prior to us working with TCFG, they had already embedded sustainability into their operations, participating in the Origin Green Programme and implementing circular economy practices by upcycling food by-products into value-added ingredients.
The company recognised that to take its carbon reduction efforts further, it needed a structured and data-driven approach to measuring its full emissions profile, and that’s where VisionGreen came in.
Defining the Carbon Footprint: A Crucial First Step
TCFG had been externally audited for sustainability performance for over a decade, however, the Leadership Team wanted to take a more strategic approach to emissions management. Working closely with the VisionGreen team, TCFG underwent a comprehensive carbon footprint assessment, defining its Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions to build a clear picture of its impact.
“This process allowed TCFG to establish an emissions baseline, a critical first step in setting achievable and science-backed carbon reduction goals. By breaking down emissions sources across its own operations, energy use, and supply chain, the company gained valuable insights into key areas for reduction and efficiency improvements.” Fionnuala Cotter, Head of Innovation & Sustainability, The Culinary Food Group.
From Measurement to Strategy: Turning Data into Action
The carbon footprint assessment wasn’t just about measurement, it was about using real data to drive meaningful change. With VisionGreen’s support, TCFG was able to:
With these steps in place, TCFG could prioritise its most significant emission sources, setting clear targets and integrating sustainability into its operational decision-making. Beyond the work with VisionGreen, TCFG reinforced its sustainability commitments, by maintaining ISO 50001 (Energy Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) certifications, undergoing annual audits to measure progress against its energy and environmental targets. With a clear carbon reduction strategy in place, the company is now positioned to achieve its long-term sustainability goals and drive continued improvements in emissions reduction.
A Blueprint for Sustainability Success
TCFG’s journey demonstrates that carbon footprint measurement is not just about compliance, it’s about business resilience, efficiency, and long-term value creation. By taking a structured, data-driven approach, TCFG was able to turn sustainability commitments into clear, measurable action.
Following the collaboration with TCFG, we worked across the Arrow Group to produce a group wide Carbon footprint. Commenting on the project, Declan Sheridan, Group Head of Finance for the Arrow Group, said "From our first meeting with Ronan and the Vision Green team we were impressed with their skills base, knowledge, and professionalism. We were delighted to engage with VisionGreen to calculate the Group’s carbon footprint and the project was completed within the agreed timelines. I would have no hesitation in recommending Vision Green to any other companies. “