Brewery cuts costs with energy saving solutions
Adnams brewery has managed to lower its operating costs and cut carbon emissions by adopting energy-efficient brewing techniques at its base in the east of England.
The firm relocated its main distribution centre to a low-carbon warehouse in 2006 and has significantly reduced the amount of gas and electricity needed to brew and store its ale, British newspaper the Guardian reports.
According to the newspaper, the Adnams warehouse in Southwold, Suffolk now consumes 58 per cent less gas per square metre and 67 per cent less electricity per square metre compared with its predecessor, which was built in the Victorian period.
The new structure, which was constructed using a concrete-like combination of hemp and lime known as 'hemcrete', is able to maintain Adnams' beer at the ideal storage temperature of about 11 degrees C without additional refrigeration or heating.
In addition, the warehouse features a roof covered with the grass substitute sedum, which helps to regulate the internal temperature.
Adnams' success in reducing its carbon emissions with energy saving opportunities has seen the brewer receive the full 80 per cent tax rebate through the UK government's climate change levy.
The company recently released its half-year results, showing a 6.8 per cent increase in turnover alongside operating profits of £922,000, up from £142,000 in 2008.
