Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh has announced an ambitious plan to raise £35 million to establish a world-leading Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling (CSBD), aiming to transform both industries for a greener future.
The proposed CSBD will build upon the university’s renowned International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD), established in 1989, which has long been a cornerstone of education and innovation in brewing and distilling.
Alumni from the ICBD include some of the most influential figures in the industry, such as BrewDog co-founder Martin Dickie and David Wilkinson, Head Distiller at Edinburgh Gin.
The new centre is set to embrace cutting-edge green technologies and sustainable practices, positioning Heriot-Watt at the forefront of efforts to tackle the climate crisis while supporting economic growth.
The CSBD will act as a “living laboratory,” constructed with low-carbon materials and powered entirely by clean energy, in collaboration with the university’s iNetZ+ research institute.
Inside, the centre will feature:
- Plug-and-play brewing and distilling testbeds for companies to trial new production methods before full-scale adoption
- Advanced research labs focused on low-carbon distillation techniques and circular economy solutions
- An entrepreneurial hub to support startups, spinouts, and SMEs in developing and commercialising innovative products
Addressing Industry Challenges
The brewing and distilling sectors face a significant skills gap and mounting pressure to adopt sustainable practices.
The CSBD will address these challenges by offering specialist training programmes, including graduate apprenticeships and executive education, equipping the next generation of professionals with both technical and sustainability expertise.
Professor Gillian Murray, Deputy Principal for Business and Enterprise at Heriot-Watt, highlighted the university’s long-standing commitment to brewing and distilling education, dating back to 1903. She emphasised the need for a “revamped and revitalised approach” to research and training, stating:
“We want to encourage people from around the world to help us fund this multi-million pound vision that sets the next generation of brilliant minds the challenge of finding ever more economically viable and environmentally sustainable ways of driving both industries forward into the 22nd century.”
Industry Support
The initiative has garnered support from major industry players, including Diageo. Ewan Andrew, Diageo’s President of Global Supply Chain & Procurement and Chief Sustainability Officer, said:
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“The CSBD will provide a new, modern environment for innovation, support the development of groundbreaking sustainable processes, and develop a new highly-skilled workforce that helps future-proof this vitally important
This fundraising campaign forms part of Heriot-Watt’s broader “Shaping Futures” initiative, which aims to drive global sustainability, empower education, and foster innovation in partnership with industry and the wider community.
With its £35 million vision, Heriot-Watt University is poised to secure Scotland’s place at the forefront of sustainable brewing and distilling, ensuring these iconic industries continue to thrive – economically and environmentally – for generations to come.”
