Sector on the road to net zero

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Green credentials: 'Brewers and pubs across the country are making great progress on their sustainability goals and are keen to share their ideas so others can do the same,' says BBPA boss Emma McClarkin (image: Getty/Sakorn Sukkasemsakorn)

A number of breweries and pubs have shared how they are making their businesses more sustainable in the run up to World Earth Day.

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) will be showcasing these stories on a dedicated website, which has been designed to inspire and support other businesses to make green changes.

The 2023 version of the website, Brewing Green, will launch in April, ahead of World Earth Day on Saturday 22 April.

One example is Glasgow-based brewer Tennents, which hosts Pint and a Plan events. Held in pubs across Scotland, the events offer people to opportunity to find out more about how the business is becoming more sustainable and outlining the steps individuals can take to have their own positive impact, all over a pint.

Suffolk-based brewer and pub operator Adnams has reduced water usage across its brewing process.

Big differences

It has achieved this by assessing how water flowed across the lifecycle of its products so it could plan in mitigation from the beginning, which is expected to result in a 2m litre saving throughout this year.

Adnams CEO Dr Andy Wood said: “We have for decades looked to minimise our impact on the environment wherever we can, we’re committed to finding new ways of making a bigger difference.

“We have received the Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development three times and we will keep working hard at doing what we do without costing the earth.”

Over the coming months, the BBPA will share more member examples on Brewing Green to demonstrate how businesses are working towards net zero.

This will build up to a parliamentary showcase to highlight the economic and social potential of the brewing and pub sector and why the Government should invest in its future.

History and heritage

BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “Ours is an industry deeply rooted in the history and heritage of this country but it is also one we want to not just be fit for but thrive in the future.

“Brewers and pubs across the country are making great progress on their sustainability goals and are keen to share their ideas so others can do the same.

“We want to support them to continue in this brilliant and necessary work and help the industry make the changes needed to reach Net Zero.

“Pubs and brewers are deeply rooted in communities across the country and want to have a positive impact on the people they serve and the environment as a whole, so we’re really proud of our members’ work in this space and will continue to promote and support their efforts in whatever way we can.”