Along with other major Twente-based businesses, we signed the ‘Beter Benutten Twente Kanalen’ deal, aimed at ensuring that companies make better use of Twente’s canals. The goal of the deal is to transport more cargo on water. If all goes well, it will mean 900 fewer trucks will take to the Dutch roads every day by 2020. Grolsch is actively involved in the discussions about widening the Twente canal and improving the bridge and lock control system.

We make heavy use of inland shipping to transport export containers, which lets us significantly reduce our carbon emissions. The inbound flow of empty containers travels to the Combi Terminal Twente in Hengelo via the Twente Canal, where they leave fully loaded. On top of that, we also regularly use empty containers that are just waiting in the warehouse. Compared to road transport, inland shipping with a 40/45 ft sea container lets us cut carbon emissions by 71.2%.

In 2018, we replaced part of our truck fleet with EURO-6 trucks, which meet the most stringent emission standard. Our remaining trucks are scheduled for replacement in 2019.

In 2018, we conducted a study into continued optimisation of the boilers. This led to various initiatives, which have since been worked out in greater detail. We are set to implement these initiatives in the first quarter of 2019.

In 2018, we made various adjustments to the boiling process needed to brew beer. We have managed to reduce variation in the boiling process, saving a significant amount of energy.

One of the ways to reduce our carbon emissions is by working with our partners in the chain. Twence generates sustainable energy and can supply some of the energy it produces to Grolsch. If Grolsch were to purchase this energy, it would reduce its natural gas consumption by about 80%, saving considerable amounts of carbon dioxide. That is why we are currently exploring whether Twence could supply Grolsch with heat. The conceptual design has since been finalised and, technically speaking, it seems feasible. All potential solutions have been presented, and in 2019 we will decide whether or not we will continue the process and actually implement the project, which is supported by the city of Enschede and the province of Overijssel.

On top of this development, Nouryon (formerly Akzo), Twence, Apollo and Grolsch are working on a feasibility study with Blueterra, a consultancy agency, in order to determine whether a Twente-wide energy network for a sustainable supply of heat would be feasible. A report, featuring several different options, has been drawn up and is currently being discussed with the Province and the national government.

In order to meet the requirements set by the Paris climate agreement, we will have to save 9PJ of energy in the Netherlands. To make sure we get there, the government has made agreements with various companies, known as the so-called MEE Addendum). In the context of these agreements, Grolsch has promised to save approximately 1.5% more energy from 2017 – 2020. To find out how, we conducted a study and picked a project that will let us reach this goal. The project design was completed in 2018 and will be installed in 2019.