DB Breweries is reducing its annual carbon emissions by 184 tonnes with a new fleet of electric forklifts.
The fleet replaces existing LPG-powered forklifts at DB’s two largest production sites, Waitemata Brewery in Auckland and DB Draught Brewery in Timaru. The carbon reduction equivalent to 350 return flights between Queenstown and Auckland.
It is part of the company’s wider ambition to attain a zero-carbon footprint in its operations by 2030 by removing carbon from its supply chain as opposed to purchasing carbon credits or offsets.
“This change is a significant step on our road to carbon zero,” DB Breweries managing director Peter Simons says.
“As a business, we are committed to reducing our emissions without using offsets and making choices like this is another way in which we can make a positive difference.
“Small changes add up, and my challenge to all manufacturers is to look at your operations and consider where your opportunities for reduction are, before you turn to carbon credits.”
Simons is a member of the Sustainable Business Council Advisory Board and is taking the lead in collaborating with other businesses to achieve New Zealand’s emissions reduction targets via an achievable transition pathway.
This year, DB implemented a biomass solution at DB Draught Brewery to reduce thermal energy emissions by 98% by October, decreasing DB’s total carbon footprint by 28%.
DB also works with its suppliers to reduce emissions in its value chain.