The Irish Whiskey Association has published a road map for how its industry will decrease its environmental and carbon impact, enhance its role in the regenerative and circular economy, and deliver a positive impact for communities.
Details
According to a statement published on Ibec.ie, the measures outlined in the road map, which is called Irish Whiskey: Sustainable Together, include water usage reduction, Irish farming support, circular economy support, energy efficiency, planting trees, and an all-Ireland pollinator plan (AIPP).
State agencies on both parts of the island of Ireland are supporting the road map, which outlines how the Irish whiskey industry’s growth in recent years has supported both urban regeneration and rural communities, according to the statement published on Ibec.ie.
Statement By Minister Hackett
The statement published on Ibec.ie included one from the Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, wherein she said, “Food Vision 2030 underlines the importance and interconnectedness of sustainability in all its dimensions – economic, social and environmental. The Origin Green programme reflects the increasing focus from trade customers of Irish food and drink on delivering proof of sustainability at every stage of the food supply chain. This road map is, therefore, very timely. I congratulate the Irish Whiskey Association on the development of this sustainability road map for their members and look forward to seeing it progress.”
Statement By The Director Of The Irish Whiskey Association
The statement published on Ibec.ie also included one from the director of the Irish Whiskey Association, William Lavelle, wherein he said, “The road map is about an industry working together and sharing knowledge, with a shared ambition to make Ireland the home of the world’s most sustainable distilleries. We are committed to minimising the life cycle environmental impact of our production practices and our supply chains while maximising our support for Irish farming and local suppliers.
“This road map will actively support the delivery of national climate targets. Some Irish whiskey distilleries will reach net-zero [emissions] very quickly, and through the knowledge transfer projects set out in the road map, we will support all distilleries to make the transition, particularly the two thirds of our members who are SMEs.
“This is not just an environmental strategy. The road map also addresses the importance of economic and social sustainability. People and place have been at the heart of Irish whiskey’s renaissance, and our industry is proud of how we support communities and local economies across the island of Ireland.”
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