Independent Scottish whisky distillery Nc’nean is leading the way in sustainability, having been verified as the first in the UK with a net zero carbon footprint.
Nc’nean’s carbon footprint has been verified by Environmental Strategies Ltd, confirming that the few emissions that result from its operations are lower than the emissions that have been removed from the atmosphere. It’s beaten the Scotch whisky industry target of achieving net zero by 2040 by 20 years.
“From the moment we started out on this adventure, there have been plenty of people who told us that using renewable energy would be too hard and that organic barley would be impossible to work with,” said Nc’nean founder Annabel Thomas. “Many even said that using a 100% recycled glass bottle just wasn’t the done thing in premium spirits!
“I am incredibly proud of our small team, who have put their hearts and souls into overcoming all of these barriers to create a delicious whisky with the lowest possible footprint – and 20 years ahead of the industry’s target!”
Zero Carbon Whisky
Net zero status has been accomplished by powering Nc’nean
with 100% renewable energy and offsetting the remaining few emissions through partner Highland Carbon. The distillery uses woodchip from a commercial forest two miles from the distillery to power its biomass boiler, which in turn heats its copper stills – and for each tree used, a new one is planted.
The small amount of electricity that is used is 100% renewable and verified zero-carbon, supplied by Bulb. The residual carbon emissions have been offset via a sustainable forest planting project with a verified carbon standard hallmark.
The brand is also bucking the industry trend of using ‘extra-flint’ (super clear) glass for premium spirits. Nc’nean whisky is bottled in a 100% recycled clear glass bottle which reduces each bottle’s carbon footprint by a staggering 40% and reuses raw materials in line with the circular economy – another tick in the box for conscious consumers.
The company’s efforts have ensured it’s met the Scope 1 and Scope 2 net zero criteria, which covers emissions that are controlled by the company (boilers, furnaces, vehicles, etc.) and purchased electricity. Scope 3 certification extends that to emissions that are a consequence of the activities of the company but from sources not owned or controlled by them, such as other suppliers and distribution partners and even staff travel. Nc’nean’s ambitions include reducing its scope 3 footprint, but while it offsets the estimated carbon emissions from this area, it has yet to quantify the reductions, so it avoids making any specific claims.
Nc’nean’s sustainability credentials don’t stop with carbon emissions. The distillery is certified organic and only sources organic Scottish barley for its whisky production. Nc’nean believes biodiversity is key to a healthy planet and is resolute that regenerative organic agriculture is the best way to increase biodiversity, protect water, sequester carbon, and improve soil health.
Neachneohain – a huntress, known as the Queen of Spirits and protector of nature in Gaelic legend – gives her name to the whisky, shortened to Nc’nean. This ethos is evident throughout the business with its commitment to zero waste – 99.97% of waste is recycled or reused. Leftover barley (draff) is fed to the cows on the farm.
Specifically designed to use 80% less water than a traditional distillery, Nc’nean’s cooling water is continuously recycled via a natural cooling pond, which means the distillery can use the same water over and over without the need to use energy to cool it down, or chemicals to keep it clean.
Nc’nean continues to quietly rebel against ‘the rules’ of Scotch whisky production. It recommends serving its single malt whisky with soda and continuously experiments with new ways to create interesting flavours in its spirits, from yeast experiments to the production of its Botanical Spirit.
Amy Stammers, Nc’nean’s head of sustainability, added: “Sustainability has been at the heart of our mission since inception and it really is at the core of everything we do. Working to produce our first full carbon footprint has been tough but rewarding, and it is my hope that others in the industry will follow in our footsteps and publish theirs too. It is only by measuring emissions that companies can really focus on reducing them.
“There is still more to achieve.”
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