GHG Emissions, Sourcing Renewables - June 30, 2020
New Bulleit distillery to be 100% carbon neutral
The global alcohol producer Diageo announced June 29 that their new Kentucky distillery for Bulleit whiskey is expected to be carbon neutral and powered by 100% renewable energy in an effort to achieve net-zero emissions and 100% renewable energy in all their operations by 2030.
The Bulleit distillery in Lebanon, Ky., will be the first carbon-neutral facility of Diageo and one of the largest in North America. The 72,000 square-foot distillery, dry house and warehousing facility will employ electrode boilers with a mix of renewable energy sources that are expected to avoid 117,000 metric tons of carbon emissions annually.
"As a company we know that our long-term sustainable growth depends on reducing our reliance on fossil fuels that contribute to climate change," Perry Jones, president of North America Supply for Diageo, said in a statement. "This groundbreaking undertaking to electrify our operations and then power them with renewable electricity will result in one of the largest carbon-neutral distilleries in North America. This is a significant step to strengthen our commitment to minimizing our carbon emissions and will result in an important reduction of Diageo's environmental impact on a global level."
In addition to Electrode boilers, Diageo will deploy electric versions of all onsite vehicles, including trucks and forklifts, powered by onsite renewable energy and will generate 100% of the steam used for cooking, distillation and drying by the electrode boilers. The boilers will also be powered by renewable energy, while the company will source clean energy through long term contracts with Inter-County Energy and East Kentucky Power Cooperative.
Finally, the plant will feature various energy-saving efficiency designs, including solar-powered exterior lighting, LED interior lighting and lowered roods to minimize heating and cooling requirements.
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