7 December 2010 | Marianna Keen

 

Rigid targets for carbon emission reduction and water use were launched yesterday (Monday 6th December) by the British brewing industry, whilst nearby the All Party Parliamentary Water Group (APPWG) discussed key issues affecting the water sector.

'Brewing Green/ Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future for Britain's Beer' was held in the Westminster Arms, central London. Brigid Simmons, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) opened the event with a speech celebrating the BBPA's new report.

The report draws attention to progress in the beer and brewing industry over the last 30 years, whilst informing of ten commitments Britain's brewing industry has made for the decade ahead.

Simmons expressed that the industry was on track to achieve a 67 per cent decrease in carbon emissions by 2020 compared to 1990 figures as well as a 42 per cent decrease in water usage per pint of beer in the same time period.

"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," said Simmons. She also pointed out the beer sector's sizeable use of kegs, which are greener than alternative packaging options.

At the nearby House of Commons, the 'Innovation Reception: Investing in the Future of the Water Sector' was under way. "If we optimise water then we save carbon," said Dr. Martin Griffiths, Lead Technologist for water for the Technology Strategy Board Initiative for Water, during his speech at the event.

The water industry event anticipated advancing a better understanding of water issues in Parliament. A range of companies and trade bodies gathered at the occasion to showcase some of the work that has been achieved by UK companies in developing and sharing technology. Carl Millington, Utilities Director at Achilles said at the event that it is not just about the transfer of technology but also the transfer of processes and knowledge, which is taking the water sector to a more sustainable future.

Through their commitments, the brewing industry has demonstrated how businesses can take a bottom up approach to green operations. Collaboration within the BBPA has allowed environmentally responsible processes to be shared among various organisations. Simmons said "Brewing is a major UK industry, and we recognise we have a key part to play in shaping the country's environmental record."

"The brewing industry is being bold, open and progressive about its environmental commitments," said Simmons. It does not rely on government regulations to shape its sustainable decisions but takes steps towards an environmentally responsible and prosperous future for the industry.

Other commitments made by the BBPA include recycling of packaging, increased use of raw agricultural materials, the application of appropriate environmental management systems, and plans to ensure sustainable production. The report also promises further use of renewable energy sources and setting of an accountability and transparency framework.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food, Jim Paice MP was the second speaker at the event. He expressed his delight in being involved in the event, and said he has been "impressed by the steps already taken [by the industry]."

The BBPA state: "Our members account for 98 per cent of beer brewed in the UK and own more than half of Britain's 54,000 pubs."

Paice said that as a beer drinker he hoped that the industry would be successful in producing even more beer, in an even more sustainable way. "The sector is helping the UK to move towards our renewable and CO2 reduction targets," stated Paice. He added: "as always there is more that we can do."

Both the top down, integrative approach to water management, and the brewing industry's steps towards more sustainable operations and products offer hope of a greener future for the UK. The water sector and the brewing industry anticipate that action will nurture new innovations and investment that will help in the climate change battle.

Author: Marianna Keen | Climate Action

Image: mfajardo/ Flickr

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