Brewers face tough new eco targets
Brewers are facing tough new targets as part of a bid to make the industry more eco-friendly.
A 17.5 per cent cut in CO2 emissions and an 11 per cent increase in water efficiency between now and 2020 are among 10 commitments the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) is hoping the industry will achieve.
The commitments are laid out in a new report - Brewing green/Our commitment to a sustainable future for Britain's beer - launched by the BBPA in Westminster yesterday.
BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said there was a "lot more work to do".
"Brewers have been tackling their carbon and water usage for 30 years, and we have a record we can be proud of," she said. "But there is a lot more work to do.
"We recognise that we can do more to influence energy and water use in our supply chain - and we are also committed to reduce packaging waste, encouraging recycling and reducing the weight of our bottles and cans."
On carbon emissions alone, the industry will be committed to almost double the government's 2020 carbon reduction target.
Brewers have also pledged to improve data collection, meaning better monitoring and performance management.
"The brewing industry is being bold, open and progressive about its environmental commitments," added Simmonds.
Jim Paice MP, Minister for Agriculture & Food, who has provided a forward for the report, said he was "impressed by the steps already taken" by the industry.
He added: "By taking advantage 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."
