Stroud Brewery is helping Gloucestershire pubs become more environmentally conscious, with its new 'Sustainability in Pubs — Getting Started' guide launching this National Beer Day on Thursday 15 June 2023.
Aimed at complete beginners, Stroud Brewery's guide offers 10 straightforward but effective ways pubs can start working towards sustainability, based on the knowledge it's gained over the last 17 years, including switching to renewable energy; reducing waste; using local suppliers; and engaging with staff and customers.
Known for producing award-winning organic beers, Stroud Brewery is a local success story with international acclaim, making it uniquely placed to show other pubs how they can be both profitable and environmentally friendly.
Back in 2006 when it began trading, eco-conscious brewing was rare, but Stroud Brewery's founder and MD, Greg Pilley, was determined to make it possible.
Stroud Brewery's beers are all certified organic, with 70 per cent of its supplies sourced from local businesses. It has also been declared a plastic-free champion by environmental charity, Surfers Against Sewage.
And in August 2018, the business achieved B Corp certification — a glowing endorsement of its commitment to combine planet, people and profits.
Its brewery and taproom in Stroud is a buzzing community hub which hosts everything from yoga sessions and knitting clubs to comedy and live music nights, as well as providing a home to local wildlife with its swift and bat boxes.
The business has been a finalist in the Great British Pub Awards; the C2S South West Business Awards; and is in the running for Pub/Bar of the Year at the upcoming SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards, with its sustainability efforts playing a key part in its recognition.
Not only that, its beers are delicious, too, with four of its brews having just won gold in the SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers Association) Regional Competition for The West and Wales and another two being finalists in the Soil Association’s Best of Organic Alcoholic Drinks awards.
With more consumers choosing to spend their money on sustainable products, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, it makes good business sense to work on reducing your business's impact on the environment. As well as building loyalty with customers and making your company a more desirable place to work, it can have tangible benefits, such as reducing overheads.
But Stroud Brewery also knows how daunting it can be to get started on a sustainability journey while trying to run a busy pub, especially during these testing times for the hospitality industry.
Pilley said: '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. 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.
'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.'
For more information about the 'Sustainability in Pubs — Getting Started' guide, visit stroudbrewery.co.uk.
