BrewDog launches scheme to help pubs put the planet first

The Scottish-based brewer, which became the world’s first carbon-negative brewery, is now hoping to leverage its expertise and knowledge into the pub and bar sector with the launch of Planet First Locals.

The scheme aims to support operators that are looking to reduce their carbon footprint, working closely with each business to create a bespoke action plan to help them understand, reduce and remove emissions from their business.

The company has also set aside a fund of up to £100,000 a year, which will allow participating operators the chance to bid for funding to help them implement green initiatives, from the installation of solar panels, to the replacement of inefficient equipment. Operators will be able to apply for funding on a quarterly basis.

Ben Lockwood, on-trade marketing manager, said: “We want to share our expertise and create a collective of pubs that are working together to bring our carbon footprint down.

“We’ve done a lot of work on sustainability in our business and we want to bring that to the on-trade. We know that 83% of people look for sustainability to be part of the process when choosing what beer to drink and we know that 72% of consumer look for venues to be doing something towards sustainability when choosing where to eat out - we want to work with businesses to bring that insight and footfall to their business.”

Working together to tackle climate change

Pubs and bars that sign up to the Planet First Locals initiative will be listed on the BrewDog website which will direct customers who are looking for sustainable venues to drink in.

Massera Hassan, sustainability manager with BrewDog, said: “We’ve started to look at our emissions and made a lot of progress but we realise we can’t stop climate change alone, it’s  really about a collaborative effort with other hospitality operators to make sure they have the tools to understand their emissions and then can take steps to tackle them. 

“Since moving to Ellon in 2013, we have reduced our gas, electric and water consumption by over 50%."

Lockwood added that lots of operators were wanting to put sustainability first, but were perhaps not sure how to do it. “Planet first locals allow them to shout about it, with BrewDog adding credibility underneath.”

Dominique Addison, head of operations with Market Halls in London and a founding member of the collective, said: “We can learn from them, they’re probably industry leading in being carbon negative, and we can piggyback that and collaborate to use their products and use what they’ve done.”

“It’s an amazing thing for pubs to get involved in,” added Alexander Riches, ops manager with Saint Lukes in Glasgow, another member of the scheme. “We’re jumping on board because it allows us to have a really deep delve into our operations, look at what we’re doing well, review it going forward and work towards a more positive environment and future for all of us.”

The scheme is now available for all operators to sign up, and the only requirements are to have two BrewDog taps on the bar and alcohol free in the fridge.

To sign up to the scheme, email BrewDog on cynargsvefgybpnyf@oerjqbt.pbz​ or speak to your route to market wholesaler.