Barber’s Farmhouse Cheesemakers, an English cheddar producer, has significantly reduced its carbon emissions and electricity consumption by implementing new ultra-efficient heat pumps. The company, which has operated since 1833, began using milk-source heat pumps from UK startup Arkaya Energy in 2024.
These devices cool fresh milk to 1.6C while simultaneously heating water to 92C for milking operations. This dual function has cut Barber’s electricity use by half, resulting in annual savings of around £70,000 and a reduction in carbon pollution by nearly 66 tons per year. The heat pumps have been installed in three of the company's seven milking parlours.
Arkaya Energy, which started selling its heat pumps in 2024, has installed 27 units so far and anticipates deploying an additional 34 by the close of 2026. The company currently focuses on the UK market, with plans to expand into Ireland and the broader European market.