Northern Monk Sets Course for Carbon Zero and Community Impact

UK craft brewery Northern Monk has published its first-ever Impact Report, marking what its leadership calls a defining year in environmental progress, employee wellbeing, and community investment. The Leeds-based brewery, founded in 2013, outlined clear sustainability goals and shared tangible achievements, including a commitment to reach carbon zero in direct operations by 2030.

80% Waste Recycled: A Zero Landfill Ambition

Among the standout data points in the 2025 Impact Report is Northern Monk’s achievement of recycling or repurposing over 80% of its waste. The effort aligns with the brewery’s stated zero waste to landfill ambition, a growing focus in the UK beverage industry. According to WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), food and drink businesses account for a substantial share of the UK’s commercial waste. For a brewery of Northern Monk’s scale, this figure is significant.

Northern Monk’s founder and managing director, Russell Bisset, framed the progress as part of the brewery’s founding ethos: “When we started Northern Monk from a cellar in Bradford, our goal was simple: to brew great beer, build community, and leave the world a little better than we found it.”

Carbon Zero by 2030: Renewable Energy and Carbon Literacy

The report also confirms Northern Monk’s move to a 100% renewable energy tariff. This shift has already saved 170 tonnes of CO₂e and nearly £20,000 annually. Furthermore, nearly 20% of its staff are now trained in carbon literacy.

Operations & Positive Impact Director Ciaran Shier described the report as a landmark moment: “It brings together the work that’s been happening across every part of the business to reduce our environmental impact, support our people, and give back to the communities we’re part of.”

With carbon zero pledges becoming increasingly common in the UK beverage sector, Northern Monk’s target aligns with leading breweries globally. For context, Heineken UK announced similar goals in its 2022 Sustainability Report, though Northern Monk’s emphasis on staff training and direct operations carbon zero sets it apart in the independent craft brewing space.

£115,000 Raised for Local Causes

Community investment is another pillar of the report. Through its Faith in Futures Foundation, Northern Monk has raised £115,000 supporting 22 causes. Long-term partnerships with organizations such as Holbeck Together, Pyramid, and Restoring Hardknott Forest reflect a sustained commitment to social and environmental initiatives.

While many breweries sponsor one-off events, Northern Monk’s model of structured charitable investment echoes the growing B Corp movement within food and drink. The brewery’s renewed focus on achieving B Corp accreditation is noted in the report as a future priority.

Recognition as a Top UK Employer

Beyond sustainability, Northern Monk has been named the UK’s 2nd Best Company to Work For in the Food & Drink Sector in 2024, and 26th best mid-sized company overall. The report details £33,000 invested in staff development alongside 36 internal promotions, as well as the introduction of employee perks aimed at supporting wellbeing, growth, and inclusion.

Industry observers have noted increased focus on employee wellbeing across the craft beer sector, particularly post-pandemic. Northern Monk’s approach includes refreshing its company values through staff co-creation workshops, an inclusion strategy that mirrors trends in progressive workplace culture.

Aligning Growth with Purpose

Founded by Russell Bisset and Brian Dickson, Northern Monk has expanded beyond its Holbeck base, now operating bars in Leeds, Manchester, and Edinburgh, with Bradford and York venues in development. Its ambition to become Europe’s largest craft brewer by 2035 is ambitious, but the Impact Report suggests the company is positioning growth alongside environmental and social responsibility.

According to industry consultancy SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers), craft beer is increasingly consumer-driven by values such as sustainability and community engagement. Northern Monk’s multi-pronged strategy – from waste reduction to staff wellbeing and charitable giving – reflects that shift.

As Bisset puts it: “We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and excited about what’s ahead.”

For readers interested in further details, the full Impact Report is available via Northern Monk’s website.