#CoffeeWithAConscience
At Java Republic, our commitment to sustainability sets us apart from the rest. Since day one we have strived to be environmentally led in everything that we do. Throughout the last 24 years since our business was founded, we have continually sought out new ways of doing things that enable us to protect the environment for a better future. Today, we are a proudly independent, carbon neutral business.
Since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic we have accelerated our sustainability initiatives even further and this year are proud to announce a number of milestones already reached.
Solar Panels
In 2022 we partnered with Irish decarbonisation specialist Astatine to develop a solar PV solution that could maximise the amount of renewable energy we create at our roastery, cafe, warehouse and offices in Dublin. The project came to completion in May 2023, with the installation of 315 rooftop solar panels.
Click the image above to watch our solar panel video.
Astatine’s mission is to accelerate the transition to renewable energy through technical, commercial and marketing innovation. The 130kw of rooftop solar panels now installed will produce 100,159 kWh of energy per year, which will represent 43% of Java Republic’s total energy requirements and equates to 100% of the electricity needed for 14 houses for a whole year. This annual carbon dioxide offset is the equivalent of planting 2,488 evergreen trees. The completion of this project represents a major milestone in our road to decarbonisation.
Electric Vehicle
In June 2023 we proudly launched the first of many electric vehicles to be added to our fleet of cars and vans. With vibrant colours and featuring the stunning illustration from our Hero Range of coffees, this EV will be sure to catch eyes around Ireland. The launch of this EV has been a major turning point to put us on the road to decarbonising our fleet by the end of 2026.
Mulch.ie
We give away 100% of our coffee chaff waste to be transformed into a reusable, compostable product. Chaff (also known as silverskin or husk) refers to the epidermis of coffee beans that falls off during roasting due to the application of heat. It is a natural bi-product of the coffee roasting process. Chaff often gets disposed of alongside general waste. Despite it being organic and biodegradable, when chaff breaks down in landfill it emits methane gas, which is thought to be 80 times more damaging to the environment than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.
To avoid this, we work with Mulch.ie, Ireland’s first drive-thru green waste centre that allows environmentally-minded gardeners and landscapers to dispose of green waste and purchase peat-free compost, which can be difficult to obtain in Ireland. Compost that is 100% peat-free is not just environmentally-friendly, but it is also rich in nutrients, which is better for your plants.
What’s Next?
Our sustainability plans for 2023 don’t stop there. Our dedicated Quality & Sustainability Manager Jolanta Turowska is continuously working with the wider teams in the business to drive new ideas, new initiatives and new ways of thinking. Watch this space!
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