Diageo is investing more than £86 million (€100m) to decarbonise the brewery in Dublin that has made Guinness for 264 years.
The investment into St James’s Gate brewery in Dublin – known as the home of Guinness – aims to make it one of the most efficient breweries in the world by 2030, transforming how energy and water is used.
The use of fossil fuels in direct brewing operations will be completely phased out at the site, while Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions will be reduced by more than 90%.
Instead, by 2030, grid-supplied electrical power heat pumps and biogas generated within a new water recovery facility will power the plant. Its improved water use efficiency should also help to cut the amount of water used to brew Guinness by 30%.
A planning application for the changes will be submitted to Dublin City Council later this year. Enterprise Ireland is providing Government-backed support for the decarbonisation project.
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The prime minister for the Republic of Ireland, Taoiseach Simon Harris, said the work by Diageo in decarbonising its operations would inspire industry and the tourists that visit each year.
“It’s not just a green transformation for St. James’s Gate but a flagship transformation that will send a strong message to the world,” he said.
Diageo’s global chief executive officer, Debra Crew, said it would help ensure the brand’s longevity in the city.
“St. James’s Gate is an historic location for an iconic brand. We’re 260 years into our 9,000-year lease at St. James’s Gate and this investment will ensure that Guinness has an exciting and long-term sustainable future.”
Diageo strengthened its sustainability position earlier this year by appointing Kristin Hughes as global head of sustainability. One of her main focuses is decarbonisation across the company’s global value chain.
The drinks business has a 10-year ESG action plan, Society 2030: Spirit of Progress, as it looks to move to a low-carbon future and to become net zero in its direct operations.
