British brewers decrease CO2 emissions by 42% in ten years

Total CO₂ emissions from the UK’s brewing industry have fallen by 42% in the last decade, according to new research from the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA).

The study found that the energy used to brew a pint of beer in the UK is now 20% less than it was in 2008. The water required to brew one hectolitre of beer has also reduced to an average of just 3.5 hectolitres.

Separate data from the UK Environment Agency acquired by the BBPA also found that UK breweries now recover and reuse 98% of their waste.

The research, published in a new report by the BBPA called ‘Brewing Green: A Greener Future for British Beer & Pubs’, comes as the UK’s brewing and pub sectors begin setting their next sustainability targets to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

All pub operators surveyed by the BBPA for the report stated that reducing food waste and improving energy efficiency was important or very important to them.

When it came to food waste, 100% pubs surveyed said they had trained staff on how to reduce food waste, with 86% now offering smaller portion sizes to customers to help further reduce waste.

With regards to improving energy efficiency, 83% of pub operators surveyed said they used insulated cellars in their pubs to reduce energy consumption.

Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive, 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.”

David Paterson, corporate affairs director, Heineken UK, said: “We embed sustainability across our entire value chain at Heineken, from growing the barley and apples that go into our beers and ciders, to working with our customers and licensees to serve a great quality pint as sustainably as possible. We’re working hard to reduce CO2, water and single-use plastics in our own business.”