British beer to go green by 2020

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has launched its “Brewing Green” initiative, pledging to make the industry significantly greener by 2020 through 10 eco-friendly commitments.

Two of the main issues being tackled are carbon emissions and water usage, as well as aiming to reduce packaging and waste, and encouraging the use of renewable energy.  

The impact of such an undertaking by the BBPA could be huge, given that its members account for 96% of the beer brewed in the UK and own nearly two thirds of the 52,000 pubs across the country.

Each BBPA member is undertaking its own projects in accordance with the 10 commitments, tailored to suit its particular needs and capacities.

These range from Adnams’ biogas production plant that will power the entire brewery and its fleet of lorries as well as contributing significant quantities of gas to the national gas grid, to waste recycling at John Smith’s and Molson Coors’ sustainable brewing process.

The creation of these commitments is not, according to the BBPA, the result of government pressure to meet targets, given that the industry is aiming to bring down carbon emissions by more than twice the government target.

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “Brewing is a major UK industry, and we recognise we have a key part to play in shaping the country’s environmental record.

“The brewing industry is being bold, open and progressive about its environmental commitments. When it comes to an industry that is dedicated to improving our environmental performance, we want to ensure it’s a case of ‘beer is best’.”

Jim Paice MP, minister of state for food and agriculture, who wrote the foreword for the Brewing Green launch booklet, explained that getting it right first in the beer industry was crucial for setting an example for other industries.

“In the whole of the food and drink industry, [beer] is our biggest employer, and also offers huge opportunity for exports,” he said.

“The brewing industry needs to be part of a vibrant and competitive food and drink industry and must continue to grow sustainably, producing more for less.

By taking advantages of the savings from using less energy, water and minimising waste, the sector can become even more competitive, saving money and contributing to its economic performance while reducing its impact on the environment.”

10 beer commitments

1)   Carbon emissions: to reduce carbon emissions by 67% by 2020 compared to 1990.

2)   Water efficiency: to achieve an industry average of less than four litres of water for each litre of beer produced, a reduction of 42% by 2020 compared to 1990.

3)   Renewable energy: to increase the use of renewable energy within the sector.

4)   Waste reduction: to continue to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill year on year and increase the amount reused.

5)   Packaging waste and recycling: to play our part in the reduction of packaging waste from our products.

6)   Packaging reduction and "lightweighting" of containers: to minimise the use of packaging without compromising the safety and quality of our products – through lightweighting and working with the wider supply chain.

7)   Use of raw agricultural materials: to continue to improve the efficient use of raw materials.

8)   Environmental management systems: to ensure appropriate environmental management systems are in place, covering carbon, energy, water, effluent, waste minimisation and packaging to reduce the environmental impact of brewing and in support of brewers’ environmental policies and operating permits.

9)   Sustainable production: to develop plans to ensure the sustainable future of brewing in the UK, by monitoring and managing potential supply-side risks.

10)  Accountability and transparency: to produce an annual report that sets out progress against agreed plans and targets, and to enhance the quality and quantity of data available to monitor progress against all targets.

Marinel FitzSimons, 08.12.10