Scottish specialty coffee roaster Dear Green sets 2030 net zero target

Lisa Lawson, Founder of Glasgow-based specialty coffee roaster Dear Green | Photo credit: Dear Green

Glasgow-based specialty coffee roaster Dear Green has unveiled an ambitious target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 after recertifying as a B Corp.  
 

Founded in 2011, Dear Green first attained B Corp accreditation in December 2020 – receiving a B Impact Assessment score of 84.2. B Corp-certified companies are required to recomplete the assessment every three years, with Dear Green boosting its score by more than 30 points to reach 117.6. 

In a press release, Dear Green said the improved score highlights its commitment to ‘upholding the rigorous social and environmental standards’ set by B Lab and puts them in the same bracket as ‘some of the world’s most ethical businesses’ – including outdoor clothing retailer Patagonia, ice cream brand Ben and Jerry’s and footwear maker Tom’s. 

“Recertifying as a B Corp is an incredible milestone for us. It proves our values are ingrained in our business and recognised at the highest level. It proves we’re willing to back up our claims and be audited against a strict framework,” said Lisa Lawson, founder, Dear Green. 

To achieve its net zero pledge, Dear Green has invested in solar panels and heat pumps at its roastery, developed an anaerobic composting programme and introduced waste management initiatives, such waste incineration to generate energy.
 

The specialty coffee roaster, which has a long-standing sourcing relationship with Brazilian B Corp-certified coffee farm Daterra Coffee, has also committed to switching to 100% renewable energy, sending zero waste to landfill and implementing fully home compostable coffee packaging.

B Corp companies meet high standards of social and environmental performance and are evaluated by B Lab across five impact areas – governance, workers, community, environment and customers. Candidates must score a minimum of 80 points across impact areas to gain certification. 

West Yorkshire-based Dark Woods Coffee and Origin Coffee Origin Coffee also recertified as B Corps in 2024, improving their scores by 47.8 and 13 points to reach 147.4 and 95.6 respectively. 

London-based social enterprise Change Please, hospitality group Caravan and boutique coffee shop, bar and casual dining chain Grind were among the UK coffee businesses to attain B Corp certification for the first time in 2024.