Budweiser, Beck’s and Stella Artois will soon be made with 100% renewable electricity after brewing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev signed up to the RE100 with the commitment to power its global operations with clean electricity.
AB InBev, which brews over 200 beer brands around the world including at two manufacturing plants in the UK, is aiming to source all its purchased electricity from renewable sources by 2025. This will account for around 90% of its total electricity consumption worldwide, shifting 6TWh of electricity annually to renewable sources in the markets where AB InBev operates.
The company currently sources around 7% of its purchased electricity from renewable sources but plans to increase this to between 75-85% through power purchase agreements. The remaining electricity will come from on-site technologies most likely to be solar.
The Belgian brewer says the new commitment will it make it the largest corporate direct purchaser of renewable electricity in the global consumer goods sector, reducing the company’s operational carbon footprint by 30%.
Carlos Brito, chief executive of AB InBev, said: “Cutting back on fossil fuels is good for the environment and good for business, and we are committed to helping drive positive change. We have the opportunity to play a leading role in the battle against climate change by purchasing energy in a more sustainable way.”
AB InBev joins the growing number of almost 90 of the world’s largest companies across a range of industries committing to 100% renewable electricity through the RE100 initiative. While many have admitted the low carbon transition has helped create a positive image, the likes of IKEA, Google and Nestle have all stated that the decision was principally driven by the business case for renewables.
Sam Kimmins, head of RE100 at The Climate Group, commented: “Before long, we will see every Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois made with 100% renewable power and it makes business sense, with financial savings, job creation and emissions cuts on offer.
“AB Inbev is significantly boosting demand for renewables around the world, showing just the kind of leadership we need to slow climate change and speed a low carbon economy, inspiring other companies right along the value chain.”
