Magor brewery leads the way in reducing emissions
17 May 2010 09:11 AM
Environment Minister Jane Davidson has visited a brewery in Magor that has reduced its carbon emissions by an impressive 40%.
The Minister visited the InBev brewery which is home to project JUPITER (Join US People in Tackling Energy Reduction) - a project aimed at helping companies and organisations to reduce their carbon emissions and energy use.
Project JUPITER, which was initiated by the UNITE union and supported by leading international brewer InBev and the Carbon Trust, has seen a £1.4m investment in new technology at the brewery as well as concerted internal campaign to bring about behavioural change.
The project has been driven by ‘ Energy Guardians’ appointed at all levels and departments of the company who work with other employees to identify areas for energy and resource savings.
As a result of the project the brewery has reduced its carbon emissions by 40% and its water consumption by 46% - an impressive statistic from a company that previously used 35,000 cubic metres of water per day and produced 50 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
The Jupiter project has now moved on to phase 2 and is approaching other companies to establish a Welsh energy coalition aimed at sharing best practice and innovation around energy reduction.
The event at InBEv was attended by over 20 companies and it is hoped that they too will engage in the JUPITER project.
Speaking about the Jupiter project, the Minister said:
“The work carried out to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions at this brewery is truly impressive and it is no coincidence that it has resulted in £2milllion pound savings for the company.
“I know that the project has engaged, and relied upon people from all levels of the organisation to identify where energy savings can be made, and I am sure this has been key to its success.
“Many businesses across Wales are already grasping the opportunities to grow existing markets for low carbon and other eco goods and services. I would urge businesses across Wales to keep finding new ways to tackle climate change, and help to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for Wales.”
Environment - protection and quality