Canberra-based Capital Brewing has become just the third brewery in Australia to gain B-Corp certification, the global recognition for its commitment to a greener future and transparent, community-led business practices.
Capital has been through a two-year assessment of its operations and the certification comes just five months after the brewery was certified carbon neutral. Founders and Manager Directors Tom Hertel and Laurence Kain said they were thrilled with the B-Corp certification.
“Rather than simply being ‘for profit’, the three core elements of a B-Corp – a commitment to the planet, people and purpose – has been at the core of every decision we’ve made since we started Capital over five years ago. We are thrilled to now be one of the 300 Aussie businesses that have those commitments enshrined in our constitution,” said Hertel.
Kain added: “Achieving B-Corp certification is no easy task, it’s not handed out to anyone who applies. The average score for companies who apply is 50.9 out of 200, with carbon-neutral status awarded just two points. We’re incredibly proud to have achieved a score of 102.4 and with that, be able to offer our customers the knowledge that by picking up an ice-cold Capital brew from the pub, they are also investing in a positive future.”
Capital has implemented a number of initiative and processes across its operations to reduce its environmental impact, including introducing 100 per cent renewable electricity at the brewery, installing an automated cellbar tank cleaning system to recycle rinse water and cleaning chemicals and diverting 709 tonnes annually of spent grain, hops, and yeast to Landtasia organic farm.
The brewery also invests in biodiversity as part of its partnership with Orana Park – a farm in Victoria converting to sustainable cropping and permanent planting that also houses a sanctuary for threatened native species – and Jindabyne environmental charity, Keep It Cool which sees a tree planted for every Capital Brewing Co. beer bought at the snow.
Kain also said that people are also central to the breweries success: “Our staff happiness is paramount and so is how we deliver for our customers. From staff safety, training and development, and strict quality control to ensure you always receive a top quality product, all our people are our top priority.”
Capital has also supported over 450 community groups and charities, and says it is committed to delivering diverse employment opportunities and keeping beer money in the local economy.