Rutland-based independent roastery Two Chimps Coffee has solidified its reputation as a leader in sustainable business practices, securing the “Environmental Champions Award” at the 2026 Rutland & Stamford Mercury Business Awards. The accolade, presented at the Rutland Hall Hotel on September 18, marks a repeat victory for the company, which previously claimed the same honor in 2024 alongside the “Small Business of the Year” title.
The award serves as a formal recognition of the roastery’s aggressive strategy to slash its carbon footprint. While the coffee industry is traditionally energy-intensive, the Two Chimps team has leveraged modern technology and infrastructure upgrades to align with their ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero by 2040.
## Harnessing Green Tech and Smart Infrastructure
Since moving into their dedicated facility on Pillings Road last year, Two Chimps has transformed their operations into a blueprint for eco-conscious manufacturing. Central to this transition is a robust solar energy system installed across the roastery’s roof. This setup, paired with advanced battery storage technology, allows the facility to power up to 98% of its operations using self-generated renewable energy.
The company has moved beyond simple energy savings, integrating “smart” building management to ensure high resource efficiency. By implementing sensor-based lighting and transitioning from gas to electric heating—powered directly by their solar array—they have effectively eliminated a significant portion of their fossil fuel reliance. Furthermore, the company has prioritized high-efficiency insulation, exceeding regulatory standards to ensure that energy consumption is minimized at the structural level. Their commitment extends to their property management as well; they have upgraded adjacent leased units to an EPC rating of C, significantly outperforming the industry-standard requirement of an E rating.
## Leveraging Data and Digital Traceability
The path to sustainability for Two Chimps is not just about physical infrastructure; it is deeply rooted in the traceability of their supply chain. By specializing in single-origin, speciality-grade Arabica beans from smallholder farms across Africa and the Americas, the company uses digital tracking to ensure transparency and ethical sourcing.
While the coffee industry has yet to fully adopt AI-driven crop yield optimization or large-scale blockchain tracking across the board, Two Chimps’ focus on traceability mirrors the tech industry’s growing demand for “green provenance”—the ability for businesses to track the carbon impact of every item in their supply chain. As the firm approaches its 10th anniversary, the integration of data-backed environmental decision-making has become as central to their brand as the quality of the roast itself.
## Scaling Sustainability in the Modern Market
For small businesses looking to grow, the “Two Chimps model” demonstrates that environmental responsibility does not have to be an impediment to scaling. Instead, the company treats sustainability as an operational pillar, viewing each technological upgrade—such as the installation of electric vehicle chargers to facilitate a shift toward a zero-emission delivery fleet—as a long-term investment.
“We’re really proud to win this award, especially given the work we have all put in since moving to Pillings Road,” said Andy and Laura, the founders of the roastery, known as the “Head Chimps.” “Being responsible for the impact we have on the environment is very important to us, and as we move towards our target of being Net Zero by 2040, this award is evidence that we’re doing the right things.”
As the business continues to serve customers across the UK, the team hopes that their success will inspire other independent businesses to treat environmental stewardship as an essential component of their daily workflow. By successfully combining traditional roasting techniques with high-tech, low-carbon solutions, Two Chimps is proving that even small businesses can drive the systemic change required to meet global climate targets.
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