Pernod Ricard UK joins Net Zero Pubs and Bars initiative to help the On-Trade in the race to net zero

Pernod Ricard UK has today announced it is a development partner of the Net Zero Pubs and Bars initiative, which will help the UK On-Trade rise to the climate challenge and the journey to net zero. The ambitious initiative brings Pernod Ricard UK together with Net Zero Now, the sector-based climate initiative, and founding development partner Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, to develop tools and protocols that will help the On-Trade advance their climate action. Alongside the development partners, the programme will be delivered by the Sustainable Restaurant Association, with pilots underway and a launch of the pilot’s findings expected in July.

Sitting at the heart of the Net Zero Pubs and Bars initiative will be a set of protocols which will define what ‘net zero’ means for the sector, offer guidance on how to reduce carbon emissions and provide a standard against which UK pubs and bars can be certified. It will put the tools for an ambitious climate strategy in the hands of the On-Trade (through a practical three step approach of Calculate, Mitigate, Compensate – see more below).

Pubs and bars that are successfully net zero certified will be able to display their Net Zero Pub or Net Zero Bar accreditation in their outlet through point-of-sale materials to help them showcase their achievement and engage customers. Key operators involved in the pilot include: The Culpeper Family Hospitality Group; Darwin & Wallace; Peach Pubs; and Lisini Pub Company near Glasgow.

Ian Peart, Commercial Director at Pernod Ricard UK, said: “As the world grasps the urgency of the climate crisis, increasing numbers of businesses are seeking guidance on what net zero means for them and how to get there. In line with our ambition to reach net zero in our own operations by 2030 at the latest and to reduce our overall carbon footprint by 50% within the same timeframe, we’re committed to driving change across the supply chain and to working together as an industry.  

“The On-Trade is ideally placed to capitalise on consumers’ increased desire to be a part of the solution and we’re delighted to be supporting this initiative. It’s imperative that we work together as an industry and, in partnership with Coca-Cola, we have the potential to reach 90%^[1] of the UK’s pubs and bars through our combined resources. We hope the tools provided by the Net Zero Pubs and Bars initiative will inspire our customers to take action and join the race to net zero.”

Simon Heppner, CEO, Net Zero Now and Founder of the SRA, said: “As the hospitality sector gets back on its feet after an extremely challenging 12 months, it’s heartening to see the enthusiasm with which our initial pilot premises have embraced the opportunity to advance their climate action. Net Zero Now was founded to help businesses of all sizes join the race towards a brighter future. Working with industry leaders like Pernod Ricard UK and Coca-Cola helps us develop sector-specific, easily accessible tools that enable the whole industry to transition to a more sustainable, zero-carbon model. The Net Zero Bars and Pubs Initiative puts the opportunity for real change in the hands of every business owner in this sector.”

Nick Brown, Head of Sustainability at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners GB, said: “Industry collaboration is essential to go further and faster when it comes to tackling the issue of climate change. We have partnered with Net Zero Now and the Sustainable Restaurant Association to help create the Net Zero Pubs and Bars protocols as we know how important it is to work with our customers – and the wider value chain – on the path to net zero. We’re delighted that Pernod Ricard UK is joining the initiative, providing the project with additional resource and expertise within the alcohol sector as we look to take action to mitigate the food and drink industry’s impact on the environment in the lead up to COP26 in November.”

 
[1] Based on figures correct as of 21.03.20