Carlsberg opens its first carbon-neutral brewery in Sweden

Carlsberg has opened its first carbon-neutral brewery in Sweden as the company moves towards its goal of using 100% renewable electricity as a source of energy by 2022.

Earlier this year, the Carlsberg Group launched a new sustainability programme called Together Towards Zero.

One of its four ambitions – zero carbon footprint – is supported by a target to eliminate carbon emissions from all breweries and achieving a 30% reduction in the beer-in-hand carbon footprint by 2030.

As part of this journey, Carlsberg Sweden’s brewery in Falkenberg is now fuelled 100% on biogas and green electricity, which reduces the brewery’s carbon emissions from thermal energy and electricity to zero.

The brewery has been using green electricity for a number of years, and 26% of the thermal energy comes from biogas generated from the brewery’s own waste water.

The remaining 74% has so far been natural gas, which has now, in cooperation with energy supplier Ørsted AB, been converted to biogas with certificates ensuring that the biogas supplied to the grid has replaced an equivalent amount of natural gas.

Managing director of Carlsberg Sweden Ted Akiskalos said: “For many, many years we have been working to create a more efficient brewery with as little impact on our environment as possible.

“This is clear when looking at how much we have reduced our energy consumption over the years. It is motivating that we now take a big step forward and use solely carbon-neutral energy sources.”

The company said that the strong infrastructure and availability of biogas in Sweden from the grid makes it possible to convert to fully renewable sources by buying green energy.

As part of its Together Towards Zero programme, Carlsberg said it will rely on the best available options for developing and sourcing sustainable energy, including the establishment of solar panels and purchasing renewable energy where possible.

Carlsberg Group sustainability director Simon Boas Hoffmeyer said: “Climate change is perhaps the most important issue for our society today, both for citizens, governments and companies all over the world, and we are very pleased with the positive development in Carlsberg Sweden.

“This underlines our willingness to contribute to tackling climate change at the same time as governments are focusing on scaling and speeding up impact at the COP23 in Bonn these weeks.

“Carlsberg Group will continue to chase our ambitions and targets, as we strive to brew for a better today and tomorrow.”

At Climate Week NYC earlier this year, Carlsberg chairman Flemming Besenbacher called for businesses to adopt ambitious climate targets in order to create necessary environmental change.