The programme – Together Towards Zero – is split into four goals, each with its own individual targets. Those were: Zero carbon footprint, Zero water waste, Zero irresponsible drinking and Zero accidents culture.
The first goal, Zero carbon footprint, is targeting zero carbon emissions at Carlsberg’s breweries by 2030. It would also source 100% of the electricity it needed from renewable sources by 2022.
Carlsberg also planned to work with its supply chain to reduce the carbon footprint of each beer brewed by 30% by 2030.
The brewer’s second goal, Zero water waste, looked to halve the amount of water used by its breweries, compared with a 2015 baseline.
Help improve water management
It also planned to work with its partners, including the World Wildlife Fund, to help improve water management in high-risk areas surrounding selected breweries.
Carlsberg’s third goal, Zero irresponsible drinking, aimed to promote responsible drinking to curb the misuse of alcohol. The targets included offering 100% distribution of alcohol-free beer by 2022, as well as responsible drinking messaging and nutritional information online.
The company’s final goal, Zero accidents culture, included a year-on-year reduction in the accident rate at the business.
See the infographic below for a full breakdown of Carlsberg’s Together Towards Zero programme.
Ceo Cees ‘t Hart said: “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.”
‘Above and beyond’
Tom Delay, chief executive of the Carbon trust, said Carlsberg’s sustainability goals go “above and beyond” the level of carbon reduction needed to keep global warming in check.
“Carlsberg has taken a genuine leadership position on some of the most critical environmental issues the world currently faces, by developing an ambitious long-term business strategy that focuses on delivering a sustainable future,” he said.
Carlsberg’s zero carbon commitments come as a number of food and drink firms announce plans to use renewable energy to power their factories.
Unilever will power 15 of its UK sites with 100% renewable wind energy, while Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) has begun sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewable sources.
Meanwhile, efficient water use is one of the key topics at the Food manufacture Group’s free, one-hour webinar – Sustainable snacking trends for 2017 – which takes place this Thursday (June 15) at 3PM. Register your free place here.
