A Sustainable Mark of Excellence for John Dewar & Sons
Hamilton, Bermuda, October 6, 2015 /3BL Media/ – One of the most historic global Scotch whisky distillers is on an environmental roll. John Dewar & Sons Ltd., part of the Bacardi group of companies, has the distinction of being one of the few entities in the spirits industry to be certified – and re-certified – by the Carbon Trust Standard. The mission of the Carbon Trust Standard is to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. It recognizes companies that demonstrate ongoing progress in the areas of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
“It’s a widely recognized accreditation in the United Kingdom, so we are not patting ourselves on the back,” says Iain Lochhead, Operations Director for John Dewar & Sons. “Rather, we are getting approval from a well-respected external body for the efforts we’ve done to reduce our carbon footprint.”
In September 2011, the Bacardi operations – including the John Dewar & Sons sites – in the United Kingdom initially achieved Carbon Trust Standard certification by reducing their overall carbon footprint by close to 13% over a three-year time span. Collectively, that lowered CO2 emissions by 4,400 tons – equivalent to removing 1,800 cars from the roadways. In 2013, and again in 2015, the Bacardi sites achieved recertification from the Carbon Trust Standard in the UK. Measuring on a relative basis (per litre of alcohol), an additional 10.3% improvement over the 2011 results has been achieved (2015 certification encompasses the Bombay Sapphire Distillery and Visitor Centre at Laverstoke Mill). From a qualitative perspective, John Dewar & Sons sits in the 80th percentile of all companies participating in the Carbon Trust program.
“Over a number of years, we have switched to more environmentally sustainable motors that lower energy use,” explains Paul Lobar, Distilling Manager, John Dewar & Sons. “We’ve also introduced systems so our pumps or motors don't need to be running 100% of the time – and that’s reduced our CO2 emissions as well.”
As part of the Bacardi group of companies, John Dewar & Sons Ltd. honors the spirit of sustainability with these benchmarks at its five malt distilleries:
- 34% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2006
- 46% reduction in water use since 2009
- 30% reduction of waste to landfill since 2010
“It’s crucial that we maintain the environment and conditions so important in producing the signature flavor of our flagship malt whisky at the Aberfeldy Distillery,” adds Stephanie Macleod, Master Blender for DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky. “We're very proud, and we do everything we can to maintain its excellence.”
The Carbon Trust Standard certification is part of a broad scope of sustainability achievements for Bacardi and John Dewar & Sons, producers of DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Blended Scotch whisky and the single malt brands of ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, THE DEVERON® and ROYAL BRACKLA®.
Since 2006, when Bacardi began tracking its global impact on the environment, it has reduced nonrenewable energy use by nearly 28% and decreased its greenhouse gas emissions from production by more than 28%. Building on current programs and efficiencies that reduce its environmental impacts, the Bacardi Limited “Good Spirited” sustainability program sets specific goals in three areas to help reach its vision of a net zero impact:
- Responsible Sourcing: Bacardi strives to obtain all raw materials and packaging from sustainably sourced, renewable or recycled materials while maintaining or enhancing the economic status of growers and suppliers. By 2017, the goal is to obtain 40% of the sugarcane-derived products used to make its rum from certified, sustainable sources – and 100% by 2022. This pledge from Bacardi is an industry first.
- Global Packaging: Bacardi commits to use eco-design to craft sustainability into its brand packaging and point-of-sale materials. By 2017, Bacardi plans to reduce the weight of its packaging by 10% and achieve 15% by 2022.
- Operational Efficiencies: Bacardi continues to focus on reducing water use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with a 2017 goal to cut water use by 55% and GHG emissions by 50%. In addition, Bacardi aims to eliminate landfill waste at all of its production sites by 2022.
To learn more about Bacardi Limited and its “Good Spirited: Building a Sustainable Future” environmental initiative for sourcing, packaging and operational efficiencies across the entire Bacardi family of premium spirits and wine brands, visit http://www.bacardilimited.com/good-spirited.
About John Dewar & Sons Ltd.
John Dewar & Sons Ltd. employs 300 people at seven locations throughout Scotland. The Company currently operates whisky distilleries in Aberfeldy, Macduff, Aultmore, Craigellachie and Nairn with ageing, blending, bottling and packaging facilities in Glasgow and additional maturation facilities in Poniel in Central Scotland.
DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, the world’s most-awarded blended Scotch; WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Blended Scotch whisky, the world’s second fastest growing Scotch; and the single malt brands of ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, THE DEVERON® and ROYAL BRACKLA® are part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.
About Bacardi Limited
Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, produces and markets internationally recognized spirits and wines. The Bacardi brand portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Blended Scotch whisky, ERISTOFF® vodka, and ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur.
Founded 153 years ago in Santiago de Cuba on February 4, 1862, family-owned Bacardi manufactures its brands at 29 facilities and sells in more than 160 countries. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. www.BacardiLimited.com
Media Contact
Amy Federman
+1.441.294.1110
afederman@bacardi.com
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© 2015 BACARDI
BACARDI, THE BAT DEVICE AND OTHER MARKS APPEARING ON THE BACARDI GROUP PRODUCTS SHOWN IN THIS VIDEO / NEWS RELEASE ARE TRADEMARKS OF BACARDI & COMPANY LIMITED OR OF OTHER SUBSIDIARIES OF BACARDI LIMITED.
