Brewers operating in the UK are taking the initiative on green issues, the BBPA says

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has heralded new figures showing that the region's brewing sector has met its 2020 carbon emissions target eight years early.

In a new report, entitled Brewing Green 2013. the BBPA revealed that carbon emissions among brewers operating in the UK fell by 4% in 2012 – representing a cut of 67% since 1990. The sector is also on-track to hit its 2020 target for improving water efficiency, the trade group said.

However, falling beer volumes in the UK had been a factor in helping cut carbon emissions, the BBPA admitted.

The group's chief executive, Brigid Simmonds, said: “Companies are taking the initiative and taking proactive business decisions to ensure that their brewing processes are as green as possible."

But she added: “We recognise that we can do more to influence energy and water use in our supply chain – and we are also committed to reducing waste, particularly in packaging.” 

The group said it will review its green targets this year and set “further challenging objectives” for 2020.