A GIN distillery has become the first in the world to achieve an ‘outstanding’ design accreditation for its sustainable buildings.

Bombay Sapphire is set to open the new tourist attraction at Laverstoke Mill in the autumn, after building work and alterations at the site are finished. The project will achieve an “outstanding” certification under BREEAM (Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method) – the world’s leading environmental assessment.

It means that the distillery is expected to be one of the most environmentally-friendly in the world. The green achievement is a result of using technologies including power generation from the River Test which flows through the site, photovoltaic cells, a bio-fuelled steam-generating boiler and 6kw hydro-electric water wheel.

Emma Johansson, global marketing manager for Bombay Sapphire, said: “We are immensely proud of achieving this ‘outstanding’ BREEAM accreditation. “It is testimony to all the care, skill and imagination that has ensured this distillery is built with sustainability at its core.”

The completed distillery will see a 60 per cent reduction in carbon emissions and nearly an 85 per cent improvement over what is required by building regulations.

Martin Townsend, director at BREEAM, BRE Global, said Bombay Sapphire had managed one of the highest scores under BREEAM, which was a first in the drinks industry. He added: “It is particularly impressive given this is a conversion of an existing building.”