Global spirits and beer company Diageo announced today plans to build a CAD$245 million carbon neutral distillery in Canada for its Crown Royal Canadian Whisky brand. Located in St. Clair Township, Ontario, the facility will operate with 100% renewable energy and will have the capacity to produce up to 20 million litres of absolute alcohol (LAA) annually.

The announcement of the new facility follows the launch in 2020 of Diageo’s sustainability program, ‘Society 2030: Spirit of Progress,’ which includes a series of 25 goals aimed at making a positive impact on the world by 2030. Among the commitments were goals to harness 100% renewable energy, to achieve net zero carbon emissions across direct operations, and to work with suppliers to reduce indirect carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.

Perry Jones, President, North America Supply for Diageo, said:

“A low-carbon world is essential for a sustainable future, so I am thrilled to announce our first carbon neutral distillery in Canada as we continue to build momentum in our journey to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. We celebrate such a significant milestone for our Crown Royal brand, our North American operations and global footprint.”

Diageo opened its first carbon neutral distillery last year in Lebanon, Kentucky for its Bulleit Bourbon ‘Frontier’ whiskey brand.

Construction on the new distillery is anticipated to start in the second half of this year, and the facility is expected to be operational in 2025.

Sophie Kelly, Senior Vice President of Whiskies, Diageo North America, said:

“Crown Royal is the heart of our whisk(e)y business, as the most valuable whisky brand. It’s critical when we extend our footprint, that we are committed to creating a more sustainable world. We are thrilled by this new world-class distillery. It will enable us to drive momentum to 2030 and beyond to elevate Crown Royal as a best-in-class whisky brand that leads innovation in the industry.”

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