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British brewers decrease their CO2 emissions by 42%

According to Brewing Green, a new report from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), total CO2 emissions from the UK’s brewing industry has fallen by 42% in the last decade (2008 to 2018); a reduction of 202,952 tonnes. It also shows that it takes 20% less energy to brew a pint of beer than it did in 2008.

The report comes as the UK’s brewing and pub sectors begin setting their next sustainability targets to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The BBPA highlights how Carlsberg UK is becoming more sustainable. The report references a cut water usage of 22% and carbon emissions reduction of 13% through continued improvements in production processes as part of the brewer’s Together Towards ZERO sustainability strategy; and a move from volume to value.

The report also explores how Snap Pack is assisting Carlsberg in achieving a reduction of 30% in their beer in hand value chain footprint, alongside the launch of our sustainable packaging innovations on Carlsberg Danish Pilsner, including using Cradle to Cradle Certified™ ink on bottle labels and outer packaging to improve recyclability.

Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of British Beer & Pub Association, said: “Britain’s brewing and pub sectors are amongst the oldest and most revered around the world. To maintain this reputation, we must brew our beer and serve our pub-goers in a sustainable way. From reducing emissions to lowering waste, Britain’s breweries and pubs are determined to be world leaders in environmental sustainability and meet the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.”

Andrew Roache, Head of Corporate Affairs, Carlsberg UK, said: “Being better for society has been central to Carlsberg since 1847, and our focus on science for better brewing and a better world remains as strong as ever. At this time when issues of climate change and resource scarcity challenge our modern world, our ZERO commitments to sustainability make sure that we as a brewer are doing our part. Our ZERO Carbon ambition ensures we operate in a way that contributes to an average global temperature increase below 1.5°C; Our ZERO water ensures the protection of this vital resource. Reports like Brewing Green show the beer and pub industry shares our sense of stewardship, which is vital as progress can only be achieved together.”

You can read the full report by clicking here.

About the British Beer & Pub Association

The British Beer & Pub Association is the leading body representing Britain’s brewers and pub companies. The Association is more than a century old. Members account for 90 per cent of beer brewed in Britain today, and own around 20,000 of the nation’s pubs.