Greene King pubs even greener
Greene King has become the first pub operator to be awarded the Carbon Trust Standard.
It has also become the country's first brewer to gain this stringent environmental measure.
Three years of strenuous effort by employees across the business have resulted in carbon emission reductions of 7.8% (11,800 tonnes). This saving equates to the emissions produced by 35 million car miles.
These reductions were achieved through a whole host of measures, and the award embraces the whole company — the breweries in Bury St Edmunds and Dunbar, distribution centres, offices and 850 managed pubs.
The Carbon Trust Standard is one of the most prized environmental awards for companies. It provides an independent verification of the fact that they are cutting their carbon footprint and directly reducing their impact on climate change year on year. Only 150 companies in the UK have been awarded the standard.
Justin Adams, managing director of Greene King Brewing Company, and chair of Greene King's environmental steering committee, said: "For more than 200 years our pubs and breweries have been an integral part of their local communities and this involves taking a responsible approach to the way we operate.
"Rather than waiting around for the legislation, we have taken early action to reduce our impact on the environment and have ensured that when the Carbon Reduction Commitment is introduced next year, we are well ahead of the game.
"It's great to be the first brewer as well as the first pub company to have achieved this coveted environmental standard. It's taken a lot of work and massive commitment from the workforce — they have done a fantastic job.
"We've taken great strides in cutting back on our consumption of energy, fuel and water. That being said, the award is about ongoing commitment and all parts of the company are absolutely determined to keep reduction of the carbon footprint as one of the key priorities over the coming years."
Harry Morrison, general manager of the Carbon Trust, said: "Achieving the Carbon Trust Standard is proof an organisation has taken real action to reduce their direct impact on climate change by cutting its carbon emissions."
