Global beverage leader Diageo announced that its new Kentucky whiskey distillery, which will distill Bulleit, is expected to be carbon neutral – one of the largest in North America, and a first for the producer of spirits and beers. The site will be powered by 100% renewable electricity, with a capacity to produce up to 10 million proof gallons per year.
The new distillery, which is currently under construction in Lebanon, Kentucky, reflects Diageo’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions and moves the company closer to its goal of sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. “As a company we know that our long-term sustainable growth depends on reducing our reliance on fossil fuels that contribute to climate change,” said Perry Jones, President, North America Supply for Diageo.
To achieve carbon neutrality at the site, the company plans to incorporate a variety of features that will avoid annual carbon emissions by more than 117,000 metric tons. These features include the electrification of operations like electrode boilers instead of fossil-fuel fired boilers. All vehicles operated onsite, including trucks and forklifts, will be electric, and charged onsite by renewable energy. Furthermore, energy efficiency is to be embedded into facility design. Exterior lighting will be solar powered, all onsite interior lighting will be light-emitting diode, for example. In addition, the site is being designed to be industry-leading in efficiency and minimization of water usage. Diageo broke ground on the $130 million distillery in July of 2019, and the site is expected to be fully operational in 2021.
Source: Diageo
