Diageo, the global spirits and beer company, has unveiled plans to invest over €100 million to decarbonize its renowned Guinness brewery, St. James’s Gate in Dublin. This ambitious endeavor is part of Diageo’s 10-year sustainability program, ‘Society 2030: Spirit of Progress,’ launched in 2020. The program encompasses a series of 25 goals aimed at positively impacting the world by 2030.
The initiative for St. James’s Gate involves transforming the historic site into one of the world’s most efficient breweries by 2030. Key objectives include harnessing 100% renewable energy, achieving net zero carbon emissions in direct operations, and collaborating with suppliers to reduce indirect carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. Furthermore, Diageo aims to reduce water usage by 30% in its products and achieve a net positive water impact in vital water-stressed regions.
To achieve these targets, the brewery will adopt a renewable energy strategy, combining grid-supplied electrical power, heat pumps, and biogas generated within a new water recovery facility. Water use efficiency will also be enhanced, with an anticipated 30% reduction in water usage. Moreover, Diageo plans to eliminate the use of fossil fuels in its direct brewing operations at the site and significantly reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by over 90%.
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. We are proud to lead the way on decarbonisation, both as a major Irish business and as an industry-leading company.
Debra Crew, Global Chief Executive Officer, Diageo
