Miller Time
They may or may not make your favorite beer (mine’s Sierra Nevada Pale Ale if you’re buying) but Miller Brewing Company, a subsidiary of SABMiller, recently reported on their sustainability efforts initiated over the last several years and the results are worthy of a toast.
Last year, the company established a set of 10 sustainable development priorities based on their environmental, social and economic footprint. It’s an interesting mix of practices including:
- discourage irresponsible drinking
- make more beer but use less water
- reduce energy and carbon footprint
- have a vibrant packaging reuse and recycling economy
- work towards zero waste operations
- have supply chains that reflect the company’s values and commitment to sustainable development
- have respect for human rights
- bring benefits to the communities served
- contribute to the reduction of HIV/Aids (within sphere of influence)
- be transparent in reporting progress on sustainable development priorities
Pretty comprehensive if you ask me. I like it. Miller also pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18 percent per barrel between 2001 and 2006 and joined a number of global corporations in signing the Declaration on the Millennium Development Goals on 31 July 2007.
So how are they doing? Well, using performance indicators including electrical and fuel consumption, wastewater discharges and waste recycling, among others, the company’s first Sustainable Development Report was impressive.
ClimateBiz reported on Tuesday that Miller Brewing Co. had “trimmed carbon dioxide emissions 10 percent per barrel in the last two years and used less water, aluminum and fossil fuels to produce its beer.” The breakdown: 10 percent less CO2, 196 gallons of water conserved and 6.1 percent less fossil fuel per barrel of beer, 622 tons of aluminum less and reports 99.3 percent of brewery waste is recycled or reused. ClimateBiz also noted that the company’s Milwaukee brewery is powered by wind power and other facilities rely in part on biogas.
I say that’s a hefty effort and it seems Miller is taking sustainability seriously with steps that make a difference. If they’re cold, then bottom’s up.
Still thirsty?
- Miller Brewing Co. Discloses Progress on Sustainability Goals at ClimateBiz
- Miller Brewing Co. Sustainable Development Report (PDF)
