UK: Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company pledges to achieve zero carbon footprint and water waste by 2030

Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) has pledged to achieve a zero carbon footprint and water waste at its breweries by 2030, according to a new sustainability report released on May 10.

Detailed in the company’s first sustainability report since the joint venture between Carlsberg UK and Marston’s Beer Company in November 2020, the business outlined commitments for its sustainability programme, Together Towards Zero, comprising four components – zero carbon footprint, zero water waste, zero irresponsible drinking and zero accidents culture.

CMBC boss Paul Davies said: “We remain committed to executing the strategy and targets set out in the Carlsberg Group’s sustainability programme, Together Towards Zero.

“The ambitious actions ahead will require the engagement of our talented people and our valued partners, from customers to suppliers and others across our value chain.”

According to the report, Carlsberg saw a 15% reduction in carbon emissions at its breweries between 2015 and 2021 as well as a 16% reduction in beer-in-hand carbon footprint from 2015 to 2019 and has pledged to achieve zero carbon emissions at its breweries by 2030.

In order to achieve these goals, Carlsberg has aimed for a 50% reduction in carbon emissions at its breweries during 2022 by ensuring 100% of its electricity comes from renewable sources.

Furthermore, to manage its water waste, Carlsberg has pledged to achieve a 50% reduction in water usage and safeguard shared water resources in high-risk areas by 2030, having aimed for a 25% reduction in water usage at its breweries in 2022.

As well as having already seen a 24% reduction in water waste between 2015 and 2021, the companies Northampton brewery has begun leading the way towards reducing water waste, with a water ratio of 2.88 hectolitres (hl) of water to 1hl of beer.

Carlsberg has also pledged to help combat irresponsible drinking by improving the availability of its alcohol-free brews and responsible drinking messages through packaging and brand activations as well as continuing gits partnership with the Drinkaware Trust.

Additionally, the company has aimed to improve its health and safety standards by achieving zero lost-time accidents in its workplace by 2030, having already seen an 84% reduction between 2015 and 2021.

Davies added: “Our 2021 report marks a clear moment to be transparent and set out what the first full year as CMBC has shown us.

"Together Towards Zero is central to Carlsberg Group’s new SAIL’27 business strategy, driving company growth and resilience.

“Through the effort and dedication of CMBC’s people, we are playing a key role realising our purpose of brewing for a better today and tomorrow.”

11 May, 2022