Proofing the future
Heriot-Watt's vision to deliver an innovative Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling
For more than 120 years, Heriot-Watt University has pioneered innovation in brewing and distilling, cultivating global talent and transforming industries. Today, as environmental demands, economic shifts, and skills gaps reshape the landscape, we launch our most ambitious chapter yet: the Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling (CSBD).
The CSBD will be a world-leading hub, uniting cutting-edge sustainability research, transformative industry collaboration, and next-generation talent development—all in one powerful, globally connected facility.
Why now: brewing and distilling at a critical moment
The CSBD will accelerate innovation adoption, transform workforce readiness, and empowering sustainable production to help address pressing challenges such as:
A 90% increase in demand for premium spirits
Set to surge by 2040. (Source: Future Market Insights)
40% of UK food and drink manufacturers
Already face critical skills gaps. (Source: Food and Drink Federation)
68% emissions reduction
Required by 2030 for the UK to meet legally binding climate targets. (Source: UK Government)
Be part of the future of sustainable brewing and distilling
Connect with us to explore how you can support our vision
Whether you’re an individual passionate about change or a business ready to make an impact, your support can help us drive innovation, access, and opportunity to help ensure the sustainability of the brewing and distilling industries.
Get in touchOur vision: a space engineered for global impact
A living laboratory redefining sustainable production
Designed from the ground up as a net-zero living laboratory, the CSBD will feature state-of-the-art facilities for industry partners to test, refine, and confidently adopt sustainable innovations.
- Plug-and-play micro-maltings and distillery testbeds
- Advanced product quality and sensory laboratories
- Precision-equipped raw materials and fermentation suites
- Cutting-edge analytical and digital-twin simulation tools
Through these capabilities, we will de-risk innovation and make sustainability a reality at scale.
Empowering the Future Workforce
Talent underpins every transformation. At the CSBD, future industry leaders will be equipped with the technical excellence, sustainability expertise, and global mindset needed for a rapidly evolving industry.
- World-leading learning and teaching: Across new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes developed to meet evolving industry needs.
- Work-based learning: Industry-led, flexible education pathways delivering job-ready skills, co-created with partners.
- Scholarships: Widening industry access and securing world-class talent for the future of brewing and distilling.
Global network, local Impact
The CSBD will be a beacon for international collaboration. Leveraging Heriot-Watt’s global campuses, networks, and strategic partnerships—from Dubai and Malaysia to the United States—we’ll deliver global solutions with local relevance.
“Our global campuses and industry partnerships uniquely position Heriot-Watt to lead sustainable innovation in brewing and distilling, connecting expertise across borders to deliver transformative impact.”
— Professor Dame Heather J. MacGregor, Provost and Vice-Principal, Heriot-Watt University Dubai
Creating legacy: Scholarship Programmes
In honour of brewing pioneer and advocate for education equality, Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, we will launch a new scholarship programme to champion talent development and industry inclusion.
“Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. These scholarships will break barriers, unlocking potential and fostering innovation not just for our industry, but for society.”
— Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, Brewing Scientist and Human Rights Activist
Endorsed by a global leader in alcoholic beverages
We back Heriot-Watt’s plans for a Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling. 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 economic contributor for decades to come.
iNetZ+ | our global research is leading the way to a net-zero future
Global research into Net Zero and beyond at Heriot-Watt is actively driving innovative, practical solutions for the brewing and distilling industries. By focusing on renewable materials, energy-efficient production, carbon capture technologies, and sustainable resource management, our interdisciplinary teams help businesses in this key sector meet ambitious climate targets, enhance competitiveness, and future-proof their operations. Our research doesn’t just inform—it catalyses real-world innovation, enabling industry leaders to confidently adopt transformative solutions on the path to Net Zero.
Innovation in action: case studies in de-risking industry adoption
Innovation at the CSBD won’t simply be encouraged, it will be engineered. Our proven approach will enable businesses to safely explore transformative technologies, ensuring competitiveness and sustainability. Find out more about how we catalyse innovation in the case studies below.
Port of Leith Distillery and Heriot-Watt University: redefining whisky innovation
In 2016, Port of Leith Distillery initiated a strategic collaboration with Heriot-Watt’s International Centre for Brewing and Distilling through a KTP funded by Innovate UK
Glenmorangie and Heriot-Watt: Sustaining Scotland’s natural heritage through oyster restoration
As part of Glenmorangie’s sustainability strategy, the Dornoch Environmental Enhancement Project emerged through a collaboration with Heriot-Watt.
Diageo and Heriot-Watt: from tradition to transformation
Discover how Heriot-Watt and Diageo are revolutionising whisky maturation through an exciting Knowledge Transfer Partnership.
Innovating tradition: the Whisky Chasers’ journey towards sustainable whisky production
Learn how the Whisky Chasers initiative is combining innovation with tradition to make whisky production more sustainable and environmentally friendly.