DB Breweries cuts emissions by switching to electric forklift fleet

DB Breweries has announced it has reduced its annual carbon emissions by a further 184 tonnes by rolling out a new fleet of electric forklifts. The New Zealand brewer’s reduction is equivalent to 350 return flights between Queenstown and Auckland.

The fleet replaces existing LPG-powered forklifts at DB’s two largest production sites, Waitematā Brewery and DB Draught Brewery in Timaru. It is part of the company’s wider ambition to attain zero carbon footprint in production by 2030 by removing carbon from its supply chain as opposed to purchasing carbon credits or offsets.

“This change is a significant step on our road to carbon zero. As a business, we are committed to reducing our emissions without using offsets and making choices like this is another way in which we can make a positive difference,” said Peter Simons, Managing Director of DB Breweries.

“Small changes add up, and my challenge to all manufacturers is to look at your operations and consider where your opportunities for reduction are, before you turn to carbon credits.”

Simons is a member of the Sustainable Business Council Advisory Board and is taking the lead in collaborating with other businesses to achieve New Zealand’s emissions reduction targets via an achievable transition pathway. This year, DB implemented a biomass solution at DB Draught Brewery to reduce thermal energy emissions by 98% by October, decreasing DB’s total carbon footprint by 28%.

DB’s sustainability journey is not new. Between 2008 and 2018, the company reduced emissions in production by nearly 50% through investment in new infrastructure and new equipment, operational changes and energy efficiency.

Image credit: DB Breweries