With our roots safely planted in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we have been morally-bound to embrace, nurture and protect the way of life in our beautiful home from the very beginning.
In correlation, we have the vision to create a global whisky brand which requires an unwavering commitment to quality and using the best possible materials and whiskymaking techniques. At The Lakes, one of our greatest challenges is to continue making ethical choices without a detrimental effect on the quality of our spirits. Fortunately, we believe that being responsibly-minded is not a trend or a race; it is a perpetual way of thinking.
Environmentally friendly renovation
During the painstaking renovation to transform an old Victorian model dairy farm into a state-of-the-art whisky distillery, 100% of the materials from the original site were reused, with bricks numbered so they could be repositioned back into their original location.
Powered by organic fuel
The installation of a Biomass Boiler, burning organic fuel from sustainable sources, provides hot water and heating throughout the hospitality areas of the distillery, including the Bistro and shop.
Protecting dark skies
Black-sky architectural fitting and shielded LED lighting is incorporated throughout the distillery to reduce light pollution, energy consumption, and limit any negative impact bright lighting could have on our neighbouring natural eco-system.
Circular production
Discarded draff produced in the whiskymaking process is gifted to local farmers to feed their cattle. After fermentation, pot ales and spent lees are also re-used, helping to enrich agricultural land across The Lake District.
Natural insulation
Natural and sustainable wool insulation, sourced locally, is used throughout the distillery to increase energy efficiency and keep the distillery warm in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Removing single-use plastic
Our restaurant no longer uses any single-use plastic, removing plastic straws and introducing disposable coffee cups made from compostable vegware in 2019. Distillery tour and tastings also use glassware and water pipettes made from glass.
Reducing emissions with local suppliers
Formerly manufactured in Italy and Poland, our new glass bottle supplier designs, engineers and manufactures each of our beautiful bottles in neighbouring Yorkshire. Not only does this significantly reduce our carbon footprint, but ensures every one of our British-made glass bottles is 100% recyclable.
Sustainable packaging
As part of The Lakes Distillery rebrand in 2019, we took the opportunity to review our packaging suppliers and move away from the use of plastic and non-recyclable materials. Recycling inhibiting varnishes were removed from labels, paper and cardboard, making our glass bottles and their packaging recyclable. To continue using copper foiling on printed materials, we now work with a supplier who can recycle the comparatively substantial waste produced.
Preventing landfill waste
Working with the Cumbria Waste Group (CWG), we ensure waste from the hospitality area of our business is minimised. Any mixed waste is hand-picked to separate plastic, cans and glass to go to our local recycling depot. Materials like cardboard are baled, along with any recyclables, and sent to the appropriate processing. Any remaining refuse, after sortation, becomes Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), with food waste bio-digested, and loose residue shredded, sifted and wind separated before it is also baled.
