Victorian brewery, Bodriggy Brewing Co, is the first brewery in the state to achieve carbon-neutral certification and only the second in Australia to do so. The independent Abbotsford-based brewery achieved certification across all its business operations and beer products under the federal government’s Climate Active program.
It took two years to complete an in-depth audit to calculate Bodriggy’s emissions, purchase internationally certified carbon credits to offset FY22 emissions, and develop a pathway to cut its total emissions by 30 per cent by 2030.
The brewery worked with carbon and energy management experts Pangolin Associates and Climate Active.
Bodriggy was the third project for co-founders Peter Walsh, Jon Costello, Anthony Daniels, and Jessica Morris (pictured with Greg Scott), which they launched in 2016. They also operate Collingwood bar, Dr Morse, and specialty coffee shop Plug Nickel.
Walsh said the team was proud to be the first brewery in Victoria to achieve the milestone, and that it reflected the maturing of the team and their customers.
“Carbon neutral brewing is across everything we do including our production processes, administration, and of course, our froths. Having started Bodriggy eight years ago, not only have we grown up, but our customers have too. We’ve evolved as people with different personal values – ones which place importance on protecting the environment more – and we want to reflect that in all that Bodriggy does,” Walsh said.
Pangolin Associates’ senior consultant Clare De Silva said, “Bodriggy Brewing Co. team have shown how any brewery can pivot their processes and become carbon neutral. With climate change affecting everyone, it’s been wonderful to see the dedication from all team members to reach this momentous milestone within the brewing industry and particularly becoming the first Victorian brewery to do so. We look forward to working with Bodriggy to continue protecting the environment for generations to come.”
Bodriggy built the brewery and brewpub in a former mechanics warehouse, sourcing reclaimed materials for the build, installing solar panels, using serving tanks to minimise keg usage and waste minimising methods in its kitchen.
It is planning to implement water reduction techniques by installing a CIP kit to reduce hot water consumption by approximately 600 litres per day and chemical usage by half, install a cardboard crusher as well as becoming energy efficient through the usage of green energy.
Walsh said, “Although we’ve been on this journey for many years and already implemented a lot of new processes, we recognise it’s only the beginning. Working with Pangolin, we’ve developed an in-depth plan to get our total emissions down by 30 per cent by 2030 and as big supporters of the arts, want to explore as many local initiatives as possible to continue cultivating a creative culture throughout our great community.”
