Greene King collaboration bid to cut emissions
The brewer and pub operator’s chief communications and sustainability officer Assad Malic issued the directive towards the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) at the NFU’s conference, which took place in Birmingham this week.
The theme of the conference was ‘Feeding a Changing World’ and it is a first for a pub company and brewer to address the event.
Ambitious target
Last week, Greene King’s target to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 received approval from the Science Based Targets initiative – which provides companies with a defined path to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goals – and Malic explained how the company would be setting about achieving this ambitious target in the years ahead.
Malic said it was crucial the hospitality industry worked alongside UK farmers in reducing emissions through regenerative farming methods so the UK could reduce polluting gas output.
“We have to work collaboratively,” he said. “Not just within our sectors but across the multiple sectors from agriculture, through supply chain to hospitality and retail. We can’t expect farming to solve the problem for us all alone.”
Unblock bureaucracy
He also called on the Government to work at pace to unblock bureaucracy and provide regulatory support so farmers and businesses can accelerate the changes needed to build resilience through sustainable practices into the UK’s food system.
Earlier this week, Greene King Pub Partners – the business’s leased, tenanted and franchise division – announced the opening of its 30th Hive Pub.
Greene King partnerships and ventures managing director Wayne Shurvinton said: “Reaching 30 Hive Pub openings is another huge milestone for us.
“I am really excited for both the future of the Essex Skipper and the continued rollout of Hive Pubs in 2023.”
