Triple Co Roast: embedding sustainability into their brand

A roastery for change 

In the heart of Bristol, Triple Co Roast has built a reputation of doing things differently.  A speciality coffee roaster, the company takes a highly ethical approach to sourcing — working through direct trade relationships with farmers or with suppliers who share the same transparent values. 

After moving into new premises in Montpelier in late 2021, the team set about transforming their 1980s building into a modern roastery, showroom and office space fit for a growing business. 

A Carbon Survey from the Mayoral Combined Authority highlighted opportunities for the business to cut costs and carbon emissions from more common improvements such as LED lighting and solar energy. However, what really excited the company was the potential to introduce a catalytic converter into the production process. 

Rethinking the production process 

The coffee roasting process naturally creates a large amount of smoke, commonly treated using a gas afterburner. Operating at temperatures of up to 800°C, it leaves virtually no visible smoke or odour – effective but energy intensive.  

Introducing a catalytic converter into the process uses a chemical reaction to remove pollutants and convert them into harmless emissions. Visible smoke and odours are now eliminated at half the typical operating temperature, dramatically reducing gas consumption. 

With figures like these proving the advantages, Triple Co made a successful case for a Green Business Grant, receiving £15,000 towards the improvements. With the catalytic converter installed, not only are Triple Co saving almost £8,000 in gas bills a year but also cutting more than 15 tonnes of carbon per year. With the converter in place, the business now has greater flexibility to carry out the roasting process during the day without subjecting their neighbours to any odours.  

Cleaner air, lower bills, greater flexibility 

One unexpected benefit has been the positive internal impact: the team is proud of the upgrade and it’s helped reinforce a culture of continuous improvement and responsibility.  

Alongside emissions reduction, Triple Co are prioritising further practical energy-efficiency steps as recommended in the Carbon Survey, including continuing upgrades to LED lighting and improved controls/timers, tightening up “switch-off” and shutdown routines for non-essential equipment and improving planned maintenance to keep machinery running efficiently. With first-hand experience of the gains that can be seen from energy-efficient improvements, their advice to other businesses is clear and simple.