Shepherd Neame has launched a campaign — People, Pubs, and Planet — heralding a trio of ambitious environmental goals.
The brewery aims to keep packaging as lightweight and minimal as possible
The Faversham-based firm has made the following pledges:
- Net zero carbon for direct emissions by 2030
- Net zero for Scope 3 emissions no later than 2040
- Zero waste to landfill by 2025
Shepherd Neame has already begun investing in a number of initiatives as it begins working towards these goals.
It has used 100% electricity from renewable sources across its brewery and managed pub estate since October 2020, and already uses 100% of green CO2 in its production process.
To help identify opportunities to reduce energy usage, the following measures have been undertaken:
- Smart electric automatic meter readers have been installed across the brewery and managed pub estate, and gas AMRs are being rolled out
- Shepherd Neame is participating in the government’s Energy Saving Opportunities Scheme at the brewery and in a sample of its pubs, to identify opportunities for improvements
- The company is among the founding members of the Zero Carbon Forum, and, following a successful trial of its Save While You Sleep initiative, aimed at identifying opportunities for energy saving, at The Wharf in Dartford, it is also now being rolled out across 19 retail sites and should deliver significant savings
It is also investing in technology to provide energy and emissions reductions around the business. Measures include electrical supply upgrades, fully electric kitchens, insulation, water-saving urinals, and LED lighting with daylight sensors.
The company is continuing to increase the number of hybrid or electric cars in its fleet, and has installed electric car rapid charging facilities at the brewery and six of its pubs, with more being rolled out.
It is also working with suppliers to find solutions to reduce delivery days, and keep packaging as lightweight and minimal as possible.
The brewery already uses 99% recyclable packaging materials, 55% of the water used in the brewing process is recycled, and 97% of spent grain and hops is recycled by local farms.
It has just begun a new carbon offset scheme with waste contractors 1st Waste Management to create a zero balance (carbon neutrality) for its waste collection across the business.
A new baling machine has been introduced in the bottling hall, allowing cardboard and plastic to be separated, and new recycling bins are now available throughout the brewery and in pub and hotel accommodation.
Chief engineer Mark Bowes with one of the smart electric AMRs in the brewery
A number of other steps have also been taken across Shepherd Neame’s pub and hotel estate to minimise waste.
To showcase these energy and waste initiatives, Shepherd Neame is currently working towards Green Mark sustainability certification for its brewery, visitor centre, and support offices.
“A commitment to doing the right thing for our community, our people and our environment is at the heart of our strategy,” said chief executive Jonathan Neame.
“We are proud to launch this new People, Pubs, and Planet campaign, to celebrate our achievements so far, and provide focus as we move forward.
“Our extensive investment in new energy-saving initiatives and technology across our pubs and brewery is already demonstrating positive results, and we have also been pleased to receive incredible support and enthusiasm from team members and licensees. We look forward to continuing on this important journey together.”
