Of late it seems many issues regarding sustainability (renewable energy, "green" practices, environmental stewardship, etc.) have crept into the Forum. I would like to start an on-going discussion on what brewers are doing with sustainable practices in their brewery and what you believe the future may hold.
Since brewers are very heavy users of water and energy, I believe being proactive in the reduction of these resources is vital, not only economically, but for the future (just wait until they start rationing water out West...). What, I ask you, has become cheaper and more plentiful for brewing beer? As the old saw goes, "it's easier to save money than it is to earn it" - why not apply that to all aspects of beer production (without sacrificing quality, of course)?
The reasons I want to start this discussion is I believe we all can make a difference - big brewer or small - and the writing on the wall is pointing towards this future. Look at New Belgium, Stone and Sierra Nevada (among others) - they're made huge investments in renewables and other sustainable programs. Do you think those brewers got to where they are by making snap, "trendy" decision about sustainability?
Another reason for this discussion is I'm involved in a new brewery project that will be built starting with a base of sustainability. Wind, Solar and Geothermal. A "green-built" brewery. Greywater recycling. I want to produce "net zero beer" (wait, isn't that Mich Ultra???). Lofty goals, but unless I try, I'll never know. I'm looking to tap the fabulous depth of knowledge and ideas of this forum.
(This is a "testing the waters" post, as I've asked the ProBrewer Admin if we could add a new section to "The Big Picture" focused on "Sustainability in Brewing.")
Any takers?
David Anderson
BrewFarm Enterprises, LLP
Little Wolf Farmstead, LLP
Since brewers are very heavy users of water and energy, I believe being proactive in the reduction of these resources is vital, not only economically, but for the future (just wait until they start rationing water out West...). What, I ask you, has become cheaper and more plentiful for brewing beer? As the old saw goes, "it's easier to save money than it is to earn it" - why not apply that to all aspects of beer production (without sacrificing quality, of course)?
The reasons I want to start this discussion is I believe we all can make a difference - big brewer or small - and the writing on the wall is pointing towards this future. Look at New Belgium, Stone and Sierra Nevada (among others) - they're made huge investments in renewables and other sustainable programs. Do you think those brewers got to where they are by making snap, "trendy" decision about sustainability?
Another reason for this discussion is I'm involved in a new brewery project that will be built starting with a base of sustainability. Wind, Solar and Geothermal. A "green-built" brewery. Greywater recycling. I want to produce "net zero beer" (wait, isn't that Mich Ultra???). Lofty goals, but unless I try, I'll never know. I'm looking to tap the fabulous depth of knowledge and ideas of this forum.
(This is a "testing the waters" post, as I've asked the ProBrewer Admin if we could add a new section to "The Big Picture" focused on "Sustainability in Brewing.")
Any takers?
David Anderson
BrewFarm Enterprises, LLP
Little Wolf Farmstead, LLP
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