Suffolk brewer Adnams is one of six British businesses joining the climate change minister on a “green trade mission” to the US, writes Lesley Foottit.
Minister Greg Barker will lead the six businesses on a five-day visit to Washington DC and three other east coast cities.
The group will meet with politicians, business groups, investors and regional development bodies to discuss the opening for UK businesses in the US and highlight the opportunities for investment in the UK.
Adnams already employs several environmentally-friendly methods including a “zero-carbon” beer (East Green), which appeals to younger eco-conscious customers.
It also sends its brewery waste to an anaerobic digester that creates gas that heats the company’s buildings and will soon fuel its delivery trucks. Unused gas is sold back into the grid.
“Adnams has been investing in green technology for a number of years now, knowing that it not only makes sense for the environment, but also for the long-term sustainability of our business,” said chief executive Andy Wood.
“I am delighted to join the minister on the department’s first green trade mission and look forward to learning more about the US market and to be part of a showcase of UK companies investing in environmental initiatives.”
Barker added: “I am proud to be a cheerleader for Britain’s green businesses and am in America this week flying the flag for those firms that are breaking into the US market.
“The companies joining me on this US trade mission are living proof of the economic benefits of the new green economy and can therefore help me make the case that going green is good for the economy, as well as energy security.
“I’ll be telling the people I meet about the transformation of the UK economy that we are delivering through the green deal, our reforms of the electricity market and the creation of the green investment bank. My message will be that Britain is open for green business investment.”
