Beverage Industry Continues to Drive Improvement in Water and Energy Use

February 6, 2014 | BIER

Water and Energy Use Ratios Decrease 70 and 66 Percent Respectively Over Three-Year Period

Since 2007, the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) has conducted an annual quantitative benchmarking study to evaluate water use and strengthen the understanding and practice of water stewardship in the beverage industry. Adding to this knowledge, in 2012 BIER concluded the first energy use benchmarking study to provide insight into energy use efficiencies within the beverage industry and pave the way for future evaluation of greenhouse gas performance.

“From these ongoing studies, the results show the beverage industry is making genuine strides towards utilizing water and energy more efficiently – each year of the study demonstrates a three-year decreasing trend in water and energy use ratios, coupled with increases in production over the same period,” says Laura Nelson, Consultant for Antea Group and BIER Benchmarking Project Manager. “The studies also illustrate the clear concern and proactive approach these leading companies are taking to improve business practices and diminish environmental impacts.”

In its seventh year of benchmarking, BIER recognized a number of key insights pointing to continued efforts on the part of the beverage industry to improve water and energy usage. The study experienced record growth, with participation from over 1,700 facilities representing 18 member beverage companies across six continents. Over the most recent three year study period, water use ratio decreases were reported by 70 percent of facilities and energy use ratios decreased for 66 percent of facilities. The industry has also seen a decreasing trend in water and energy use ratios for the four main facility types (brewery, distillery, winery, and bottling plants). Finally, the industry is achieving water use ratio improvement at facilities located in areas of water stress, and areas expected to increase water stress by 2025.



The Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) is a technical coalition of leading global beverage companies working together to advance environmental sustainability within the beverage sector.
By BIER [crp]

The Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) is a technical coalition of leading global beverage companies working together to advance environmental sustainability within the beverage sector. Formed in 2006, BIER is a common voice across the beverage sector, speaking to influence global standards on environmental sustainability aspects most relevant to the sector, affect change both up and down the supply chain and share best practices that raise the bar for environmental performance of the industry. By doing so, BIER is able to monitor data and trends, engage with key stakeholders, develop best practices, and guide a course of action for the future.

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