Stroud Brewery free 'beginners' guide to help pubs start to operate more sustainably

ON NATIONAL BEER DAY, STROUD BREWERY LAUNCHES INTRO GUIDE TO HELP PUBS EMBRACE SUSTAINABILITY

More and more consumers are looking to use their purchasing power to support businesses trying to reduce their negative impact on the environment. Being more responsible also builds loyalty in existing customers, makes a business a desired place to work (especially for Millennials and Gen Z) and can cut some overhead costs like energy bills. But the whole sustainability subject can seem daunting and complex to those who haven’t embarked on this journey before. Therefore, to mark National Beer Day on Thursday 15th June, Stroud Brewery, a certified organic brewery with an impressive list of greener operating methods, has channelled some of its own experience into a new, free ‘beginners guide’ to help pubs start to operate in a more environmentally responsible way.

Stroud Brewery is an excellent example of how it’s possible for a business to be both successful and environmentally and ethically responsible. When the brewery started trading back in 2006, such a business, especially in the brewing trade, was rare. Greg Pilley, the brewery’s founder and MD, believed it was possible and his determination has paid off. Stroud Brewery is now a successful, award-winning business serving organic beer and is certified as a B Corporation, an international corporate standard given to businesses that are meeting tough standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.

Currently, it’s sustainability work has earned it a place as a finalist in 4 business awards – Great British Pub Awards, C2S South West Business Awards, Muddy Stilettos Awards, and Stroud News & Journal Awards. Two of its beers are finalists in the Soil Association’s Best of Organic Alcoholic Drinks national awards.

The Brewery has decided to share the knowledge and experience it’s gained during the past 17 years to help others in the brewing sector reduce their impact on the environment as well. On Thursday 15th June, National Beer Day, it’s new ‘Sustainability in Pubs – Getting Started’ guide is being launched, written specifically for publicans who are interested in making their pub greener but haven’t yet started. It offers 10 top tips covering some straight-forward yet effective ways for how to reduce waste and energy, switch to renewable energy, use local suppliers and get staff and customers involved.

“I completely understand why some publicans could be put off by the green agenda, given all the other tasks and worries they’re juggling right now.” Said Greg. “The important thing to remember is that sustainability can be a ‘win-win’. Many activities that have lower environmental impact will also help towards reducing costs such as energy and water bills.”

He continued: “There appears to be a lot of differing advice ‘out there’ which is why we’ve written this guide based on our own experience of what works. It’s a bit like a ‘pick and mix’ – publicans can choose one of the tips which they feel is feasible for them. Once they’ve done that, they could choose another. Taking lots of small steps and not worrying about being perfect is the best approach to embracing sustainability.”

Stroud Brewery is constantly assessing how it can make itself as sustainable as possible. It already carries out a wide range of activities, from using all organic ingredients and being declared as a plastic-free champion by environmental charity, Surfers Against Sewage, to sourcing 70% of its supplies from local companies and erecting swift and bat boxes. It’s also committed to being a hub for the local community and is the venue for a host of events to cater for all ages, interests and musical tastes. Details of what it does to reduce its impact on the planet can be read in its latest Impact Report.

The guide is available through this link: https://stroudbrewery.co.uk/pages/sustainability-in-pubs-guide

Stroud Brewery was founded by its current MD, Greg Pilley, and opened for business in 2006 when mixing business with organic and sustainability was virtually unheard of. It’s been certified organic by the Soil Association since 2008, and was the first brewery in the UK to be certified as both organic and as a B Corporation – a global movement of businesses which are meeting tough standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.

These sustainability standards are determined by the BCorporation movement which overseen in the UK by the organisation, BLab. As part of B Corporation certification, the brewery has to produce a regular impact report explaining what it’s doing to constantly improve its business practices. Read the brewery’s latest sustainability report here.

As well as a wide selection of award-winning organic beers, the Brewery offers an extensive range of events in its taproom which welcome to anyone and everyone to join in: from live bands and harp playing lessons to board games, themed food evenings and funky music sessions for young children, the brewery prides itself as being a place for people to meet, share, grow, learn and laugh. See here for the full events programme.