Carlsberg will aim to eliminate carbon emissions and halve water usage at its breweries by 2030, as part of its new sustainability programme.
The Together Towards Zero scheme will also include the exclusive use of renewable electricity at the company’s breweries by 2022.
Launched today, the strategy consists of four ambitions each with individual targets: zero carbon footprint, zero water waste, zero irresponsible drinking and a zero accidents culture.
Aiming to cut its environmental impact, the brewer is collaborating with not-for-profit company Carbon Trust and will partner with 30 suppliers to reduce shared carbon footprint.
FoodBev reported in February that 17% of the group’s energy consumption currently comes from renewable sources. A solar panel installation was installed at Carlsberg’s facility in Dali, China, which is the fourth largest brewery of its kind.
The company’s latest sustainability report showed a reduction of 6% in its energy consumption, 14% in its CO2 emissions and a further 6% in its water consumption.
CEO of Carlsberg Cees ‘t Hart has urged a strong collective action and a science-based partnership to tackle the challenges faced by climate change.
“We’re committed to delivering zero carbon emissions and halving water usage at our breweries by 2030,” he said. “As a first action, we’ll switch to 100% renewable electricity by 2022 and cooperate with partners to protect shared water resources in selected water-scarce areas.
“I’m certain that in achieving our targets we’ll create efficiency improvements, risk reduction and a more resilient business that exists in harmony with local communities and the environment.
“The world needs leadership, which is why we’ve made it a top priority to improve the world of tomorrow in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”
Carlsberg has identified breweries situated in areas with a high-risk of water scarcity and developed targets to support the ambition of zero water waste. It will work with WWF to achieve this goal. The new targets include halving brewery water usage by 2030.
The initiative has been praised by WWF International global partnerships director Jochem Verberne, who said: “We are delighted that Carlsberg has set an ambitious direction for other companies to follow as a result of this.
“It recognises that responsible water management requires technological breakthroughs at brewery level as well as collaboration with other stakeholders in high-risk catchment areas.”
In a bid to combat irresponsible drinking, the brewer will also expand its distribution of alcohol-free beer to increase consumer choice.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024