In 2022, we were glad to help Stewart Brewing when soaring energy prices had put increased pressure on the business. With our support they were able to quickly install a large solar PV array at its site in Edinburgh, putting them in much better control of their energy costs.
(You can read more about that project here: Brewing up green savings – Beer company finds solar solution to spiralling energy costs)
Last week, we took the chance to pop in to the brewery to see the solar PV array in action, catch up on the business’s continuing sustainability progress and learn firsthand how the changes are benefiting day‑to‑day operations.
We were walked through the site by Head Brewer, Craig Scotland, who showed how embracing sustainability measures continue to be at the heart of how they work.
CO₂ recovery
Since the solar PV upgrade, and motivated by a recent global CO2 shortage, the business has now installed a CO₂ recovery plant.
A CO₂ recovery plant essentially collects, purifies and compresses the carbon dioxide naturally produced during brewing so it can be reused, instead of being vented to the atmosphere.
By directly capturing 52 tonnes of CO₂ a year from its own fermentation processes, the upgrade makes Stewart Brewing completely self‑sufficient and insulated from the impact of any future CO2 supply chain shocks.
What’s more, because the system captures far more than their 35-tonne annual demand, they’re able to sell the rest to local businesses, cutting the payback period of the plant down to around three years.
Other sustainability wins
In other sustainability wins, we saw how the business reduces waste by sending spent grain to a nearby farm for cattle feed.
We also saw their impressive new inhouse packaging facility – it reduces the need for outsourcing packaging to third parties, cutting the emissions associated with transportation.
Looking forward
Looking forward, the business is now investigating battery storage units and installing a heat recovery system to capture and re-use otherwise wasted heat in their production processes.
The brewery is no stranger to success, having picked up major honours like Scottish Brewery of the Year and Best Beer Destination at the 2024 Scottish Beer Awards, along with a long list of product accolades.
Their commitment to sustainability plays a big part in that achievement – by investing in efficient, resilient ways of brewing, they’re able to focus on what they do best and keep delivering award‑winning beer.
Head Brewer, Craig Scotland
If you’d like to arrange your own visit to the brewery to learn from them, you can get in touch via the Green Network for Businesses.
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