Global Brewery Survey

Less water and energy used to make beer – new global brewery survey shows
The Worldwide Brewery Industry Water and Energy Benchmarking Survey, which is carried out by Campden BRI and KWA on behalf of the Dutch Brewers Association every four years, reveals that breweries have reduced their energy usage by over 9% and water usage by over 17% over the last four years.

The survey shows that between 2008 and 2012 average water use has reduced dramatically by over 17% from 5.2 hectolitres (hl) of water per hl of beer to 4.3. Average energy use has fallen by over 9% in the same four year period from 229 Megajoules (MJ) per hl of beer to 207 MJ/hl. Even the top 10% most water and energy efficient breweries achieved a further 9% reduction in both energy and water usage between 2008 and 2012.

The survey allows breweries to compare their energy and water consumption against others in the industry. It also highlights any improvements needed to reach the industry average or to achieve the gold standard status of being in the top 10% of breweries in terms of water and energy efficiency.

Two hundred and twenty five breweries participated in the 2012 survey, which represented almost one third of the world´s beer production. With 49 countries across all six continents covered in the study, this survey provides a strong indication of the actual water and energy use by breweries around the world.

Gordon Jackson, Head of Brewing Services at Campden BRI said: "This is a major survey of energy and water use in breweries worldwide. In 2012 we collected data from breweries that produce 32% of the total world beer production volume. The study showed that even the most efficient breweries further improved energy use by 9.6% and water use by 9% over the four year period. This clearly demonstrates that the brewing industry is taking sustained and effective action to improve its environmental performance."

Any queries contact support@campdenbri.co.uk