‘The first whisky distillery in UK to hit netzero carbon emissions’
Forward-thinking West Highland whisky distillery Nc’nean leads UK competitors by achieving net-zero emissions, writes Stephen Emerson
Pioneering, independent Scottish whisky distillery Nc’nean has become the first in the UK to reach net zero emissions for its drinks production, beating the Scotch whisky industry target of 2040 by 20 years.
Leading the way in what promises to be Scotland’s biggest year for sustainability, the West Highland whisky distillery’s 2020 carbon footprint is the first in the UK to be verified as net zero.
Nc’nean’s carbon footprint was substantiated by independent industry consultants Environmental Strategies. It confirms that the few emissions that result from the distiller’s production processes are less than the amount of emissions that have been removed from the atmosphere around its base at Drimnin, by Lochaline, on the Morvern Peninsula.
Annabel Thomas, Nc’nean’s founder and chief executive, comments: “This feels like our greatest achievement so far. From the moment we started out on this adventure, there have been plenty of people who told us that using renewable energy would be too hard and that organic barley would be impossible to work with.
“Many even said that using a 100 per cent recycled glass bottle just wasn’t the done thing in premium spirits.”
“I am incredibly proud of our small team, who have put their hearts and souls into overcoming all of these barriers to create a delicious whisky with the lowest possible footprint – and 20 years ahead of the industry’s target.”
But Thomas insists this is just the beginning, saying: “In a year where Scotland is hosting COP26, and sustainability is such a hot topic, it is my hope that our work will inspire others in our industry. We want more companies to look at their mode of operating and make improvements where they can, as we will also be continuing to do across our business.”
Amy Stammers, Nc’nean’s head of sustainability, adds: “Sustainability has been at the heart of our mission since inception, and it really is at the core of everything we do.
“Working to produce our first full carbon footprint has been tough but rewarding, and it is my hope that others in the industry will follow in our footsteps and publish theirs too. It is only by measuring emissions that companies can really focus on reducing them. There is still more to achieve.”
Net zero status has been accomplished by powering Nc’nean with 100 per cent renewable energy, and offsetting the remaining few emissions through its partner, Highland
Inayearwherescotland is hosting COP26, and sustainability is such ahottopic,itismy hope that our work will inspire others
Carbon. The distillery uses woodchip from a commercial forest two miles away to power its biomass boiler, which in turn heats its copper stills.
The small amount of electricity used is 100 per cent renewable and verified zero-carbon. The residual carbon emissions have been offset via a sustainable forest planting project with a verified carbon standard hallmark.
The brand is also bucking the industry trend of using “extra-flint” (super clear) glass for premium spirits. Nc’nean whisky comes in a
100 per cent recycled clear glass bottle, which reduces each unit’s carbon footprint by a staggering 40 per cent and reuses raw materials in line with the circular economy.
But Nc’nean’s sustainability credentials don’t stop with carbon emissions. The distillery is certified organic, and only sources Scottish barley.
Nc’nean believes biodiversity is key to a healthy planet and is resolute that regenerative organic agriculture is the best way to increase biodiversity, protect water, sequester carbon, and improve soil health.
This ethos is evident throughout the business, with its commitment
to zero waste – 99.97 per cent is recycled or reused. Any leftover barley is fed to cows on its farm.
Specifically designed to use 80 per cent less water than a traditional distillery, Nc’nean’s cooling water is continuously recycled via a natural cooling pond, which means the distiller can use the same water over and over without the need to use energy to cool it down, or chemicals to keep it clean.
Nc’nean is a shortening of Neachneohain – known as the Queen of Spirits in Gaelic legend. Nc’nean chose her, as she was a protector of nature and not afraid of walking her own path. Nc’nean says she was much like the brand – made by nature, not by rules.