Moray SNP News

LOCHHEAD VISITS DALMUNACH DISTILLERY TO HEAR ABOUT INDUSTRY’S PLANS TO MOVE TO NET ZERO

Richard Lochhead MSP has today visited Dalmunach Distillery to learn more about how the Scotch Whisky industry is making strides in sustainability, helping produce sustainable Scotch from grain to glass. 

The visit was held as part of the industry-wide ‘Countdown to COP’ event which saw the Scotch Whisky industry open its doors to MSPs and MPs across Scotland. Visitors learned more about the sector’s commitment to reduce its environmental impact and be a leader in sustainability, 100 days ahead of the COP26 conference in Glasgow this November.

Sites throughout Scotland opened their doors to showcase how Scotch Whisky companies are working hard to reduce their environmental impact, following the launch of the industry’s Sustainability Strategy earlier this year. The Scotch Whisky industry has committed to hit net zero emissions in industry operations by 2040 - five years ahead of the Scottish Government’s target, and 10 year’s ahead of the UK Government’s target - as well as dramatically reducing the sector’s environmental impact in key areas including packaging, water use and land use.

The industry was the first of its kind to launch a sector-wide Environmental Strategy in 2009: since then it has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by a third, improved water efficiency by 22%, and made a 75% reduction in waste to landfill.

Commenting Moray’s MSP said:

“I was delighted to visit the fabulous Dalmunach distillery in Carron to hear about the industry’s plan to move to net zero by 2040 from representatives of the Scotch Whisky Association and Chivas Brothers.

“I was there in my roles of local MSP and also on behalf of the Scottish Government as Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work. We discussed the steps the industry is taking to reduce its carbon footprint to meet its 2040 target when it plans to no longer contribute towards climate change.

“As Minister for Just Transition, it’s my job to help ensure we manage the transition to net zero in a way that benefits everyone with new good, green jobs and by tackling inequalities and by treating everyone and every community fairly as we make that journey.

“With international leaders about to gather in Glasgow for the UN Climate Change Conference, it was timely to hear about how one of our country’s and Moray’s biggest and most successful industries is adopting green technologies while at the same time as continuing to produce our world famous drams.

“There is a long way to go but the industry has made a terrific start to ensure it plays its role in saving our planet. We all have a role to play and it’s good to see our distilleries turning their attention to what they need to do.”

Graeme Littlejohn, Director of Strategy for the SWA, said:

“The Scotch Whisky industry is proud of progress already make to drive down our environmental impact, but there is much more to do. Our new sustainability strategy commits us to go further and faster, and underlines the industry’s commitment to reach net-zero by 2040.

“It has been great to see such fantastic support throughout Scotland as distilleries and supply chain sites open their doors. We look forward to November’s COP26 conference as a chance for the Scotch Whisky industry to showcase its ambition to tackle climate change, and to be a key player in the conversations around how business and government can work together in the race to zero.”