Celebrating World Environment Day 2021

We are committed to preserving the natural resources on which we all depend. Working in partnership to tackle climate change, water stress and biodiversity loss, and helping to create a more sustainable world. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made to date and will strive to reach and exceed the ambitious goals we have set in our Society 2030: Spirit of Progress sustainability plan.

Our ‘ghost’ distillery Brora was recently reawakened for the first time in 38 years. During its three-year restoration we made every effort to replicate, as closely as possible, the conditions, equipment and processes from Brora in 1983, when it last produced whisky, in order to recreate the spirit for which the distillery is famous. As well as preserving its history, we’re very proud that Brora was rebuilt to be a carbon neutral distillery entirely powered by on-site renewable energy.

 

We have also invested in a new weir and fish pass in the River Dullan – part of the River Spey catchment that is so crucial to the Scotch whisky industry. The project, which has taken three and a half years to design and construct, in collaboration with the Spey Fishery Board, replaces an outdated and damaged weir, and will significantly improve upstream biodiversity and increase the opportunity for spawning trout and salmon.

Our Mortlach Distillery and Dufftown Distillery currently use water from the River Dullan for cooling in the distilling process, but the weir will bring environmental benefits to the whole Spey water catchment area which is home to a total of 11 Diageo single malt distilleries. If you’ve ever wondered about the fish logo on the Singleton bottles, now you know.

We know there is much more to do. We are excited by that and are working hard to ensure a sustainable future for our environment.