In 2010 EHS Projects partnered with Carlsberg UK to initiate and develop a programme directed at measuring and managing the carbon impact of their products.

The objective of the opening project of the programme was defined as “working towards developing an accredited carbon model that is used for understanding the carbon emissions of all Carlsberg UK’s products and is used as a decision making tool that will advise future strategy on where to focus carbon emission reductions within Carlsberg UK and through the value chain”. The initial carbon model was developed to represent the carbon emissions associated with filling a 275ml one-way glass bottle with Carlsberg Lager, as previous carbon footprinting work undertaken by Carlsberg Group had identified the one-way glass bottle primary packaging as contributing the greatest proportion of carbon emissions, and Carlsberg Lager is Carlsberg UK’s main product.

Detailed process maps of the brewing and bottling processes, including the major inputs and outputs, were developed and primary data from within Carlsberg UK gathered to account for the emissions associated with those processes. Engagement with suppliers was initiated to gather information on the structure and emission contributions of the supply chain, which was integrated with the data supplied by Carlsberg. This data was collated into a bespoke carbon calculator that modelled the carbon emissions associated with the brewing and bottling of Carlsberg Lager, taking into account the raw materials, packaging materials, energy use, waste and transport of materials. The calculator model allows input and output parameters to be altered and the subsequent impacts of supply chain and production changes on the carbon footprint to aid future decision making surrounding beer production.

EHS Projects is now working with Carlsberg UK to act on the major sources of carbon emissions associated with the production and packaging of beer, both within the organisation and along its supply chain: Carbon footprinting – Following the development of the carbon calculator to model the emissions from the brewing and bottling of Carlsberg Lager, EHS Projects will continue to work with Carlsberg UK to maintain, review and develop the calculator further to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. Low carbon supply chain initiative – EHS Projects are to coordinate a low carbon supply chain initiative to engage suppliers in Carlsberg’s carbon management programme. We will work in partnership with them to develop the carbon footprint and identify and facilitate improvements downstream that will positively impact on Carlsberg product carbon emissions. Such supply chain engagement will allow the best emissions reduction opportunities to be acted upon, with real emission reductions recognised, strengthened supplier relations, and related financial savings for all involved. Progression towards low-carbon products now will place Carlsberg and its suppliers in a strong position to participate in markets with ever increasing sensitivity to products with a high carbon cost, and protect and increase their profits into the future.

Energy and renewable technologies – Through the rest of 2010 and into 2011 EHS Projects will be assisting Carlsberg in the identification of site energy efficiency measures and potential for the installation of renewable technologies to reduce the carbon emissions associated with energy use in brewing, packaging and in their distribution network. We will then go on to manage the planning and implementation of improvement plans that are identified as key projects for energy efficiency and emissions reduction.