Whisky Focus - Ian Macleod Distillers Releases First ESG Report

Ian Macleod Distillers, a Scottish family-owned company, has published its inaugural Environmental Social Governance (ESG) report, outlining its sustainability initiatives and its goal to achieve operational net zero emissions by 2040. This commitment aligns with the broader ambitions of the Scotch Whisky Association and the industry as a whole.

The report sets out the company’s roadmap towards operational net zero by focusing on its six key sustainability pillars:
 

• Reduce carbon emissions
   
• Promote circular economy
   
• Protect and preserve water
   
• Improve biodiversity
   
• Promote Green Tourism
   
• Support our communities

Ian Macleod’s owner and Managing Director, Leonard Russell commented: "Our relationship with our planet is a top priority for the Ian Macleod team and our customers. We are doing, and will continue to do, our very best. It is a journey, and we are committed to making a difference and doing the right thing for our communities and environment."

Reducing carbon emissions per litre of alcohol produced is central to achieving the company's net zero target. Ian Macleod Distillers plans to accomplish this by enhancing operational efficiency and transitioning to renewable energy wherever possible at its malt whisky and gin distilleries in Scotland.

Last year, the company conducted its first comprehensive measurement of carbon emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, revealing that 80% of its emissions fall under Scope 3. These indirect emissions, tied to the company’s supply chain, highlighted three key areas for improvement: distribution and transportation, glass, and malted barley, which together account for around 50% of Scope 3 emissions. To address this, Ian Macleod Distillers is collaborating with supply chain partners to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.

The company’s Glengoyne Distillery is renowned for its sustainability efforts, being the first in Scotland to implement a wetlands system in 2011 to manage 100% of its liquid waste. Today, Glengoyne runs entirely on renewable electricity. At the Tamdhu Distillery in Speyside, the introduction of Thermal Vapour Recompression (TVR) technology for heat recovery is set to reduce emissions by 20%. Additionally, the new Edinburgh Gin Distillery, scheduled to open in November 2024, will be fully powered by renewable electricity, making it operationally carbon neutral.

Added Russell, "We have made a lot of good progress on our sustainability journey and we have a long way to go. As a proud family business, we owe it to ourselves and the future generations to deliver on this commitment. We look forward to working closely with our industry, our great team, our distribution partners, our supply chain, our customers and consumers, to do just that."

Like other distillers in the industry, Ian Macleod is actively exploring renewable energy alternatives in partnership with Scottish Power and other stakeholders. The company recognizes that achieving its operational net zero goal will require substantial investment and broader community support. Improved energy infrastructure is critical to this effort, and success will depend on collaboration with the government, the energy sector, and industry peers.

You will find the current Ian Macleod whisky portfolio including Glengoyne and Tamdhu available from specialist online whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt
 

• UK Shops
   
• USA Shops
   
• European Shops

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