Diageo plans to invest over €100 million to decarbonise its historic St. James’s Gate site in Dublin 8, where Guinness has been brewed for 264 years. The investment underpins the goal to accelerate to net zero carbon emissions for the site and will transform energy and water consumption with the aim to make it one of the most efficient breweries in the world by 2030.
The investment will enable St. James’s Gate to entirely phase out the use of fossil fuels in its direct brewing operations and reduce Scope 1+2 GHG emissions generated by the site by more than 90%, in line with the Science Based Target initiative’s definition of net zero.
By 2030, the site’s renewable energy strategy will combine the use of grid-supplied electrical power heat pumps; and biogas generated within a new water recovery facility. This facility will also improve water use efficiency and enable a projected reduction in the water used to brew Guinness by 30%.
Diageo’s Global Chief Executive Officer, Debra Crew, commented, “St. James’s Gate is an historic location for an iconic brand. We’re 260 years into our 9,000-year lease at St. James’s Gate and this investment will ensure that Guinness has an exciting and long-term sustainable future. We are proud to lead the way on decarbonisation, both as a major Irish business and as an industry-leading company.”
Minster for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke said, “Diageo’s investment into decarbonising St. James’s Gate sets a powerful example for businesses transitioning to sustainability. This investment not only reduces carbon emissions but also fosters innovation, job creation and long-term economic stability.”
