BY 2050, eighty per cent of the energy consumed in making Scotch whisky will come from non-fossil fuels if new industry-wide green targets are met.
The Scotch Whisky Environmental Strategy has been refreshed, with scheme manager the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) aiming to broaden its remit to reflect changing business operations.
The strategy has also set ambitious targets to make 100 per cent of packaging recyclable by 2020, along with a commitment to send no general waste to landfill.
The SWA, which first launched the strategy in 2009, says it recognises the need for a thriving natural environment, saying the industry has a responsibility to minimise its use of natural resources and its impact on the environment.
Julie Hesketh-Laird, SWA deputy chief executive, said: “The refresh of the Scotch Whisky Industry Environmental Strategy is a clear sign of bold industry intentions on sustainability. Sound environmental management is an industry priority and goes hand in hand with business growth.
“The strategy remains the only one in Scotland covering an entire industry. It sets out challenging voluntary goals that will protect the natural environment for generations to come.”
The four themes of the refreshed strategy have targets to be met by 2020 and 2050. They include reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, embracing a ‘circular economy’, and sustainable land use.
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