How Breweries Are Becoming More Sustainable

Craft breweries have long been known for their creativity and innovation in their beer flavors and how they operate. In the past several years, that ingenuity has also begun to encompass their environmental impact. From sourcing ingredientsresponsibly to water conservation and renewable energy initiatives, the brewing industry has taken significant strides to reduce its environmental footprint. Here’s a look at how breweriesare proving great beer and environmental stewardship go hand in hand as they work to become more sustainable.

Six Ways Craft Breweries Are Becoming More Sustainable

1. Energy Efficiency in Brewing

The brewing process requires a lot of energy for heating, cooling, and packaging. To address this and cut down on their carbon footprint, many breweries are adopting energy-efficient practices such as:

-Solar Power: Installing solar panels to power their operations while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

-Heat Recovery Systems: Capturing and reusing heat generated during brewing for other parts of the process.

-LED Lighting: Using energy-efficient lighting throughout their facilities.

For example, New Belgium Brewing in Colorado has invested in solar arrays and energy-efficient brewing equipment, making them one of the most sustainable breweries in the country.

2. Water Conservation

Water is a key ingredient in beer, but the brewing process itself is notoriously water-intensive. It can take up to 7 gallons of water to produce 1 gallon of beer. To combat this and become more sustainable, breweries are:

-Installing Water Recycling Systems: Reusing water for cleaning or non-consumption purposes.

-Reducing Water Waste: Optimizing cleaning procedures to use less water.

-Investing in Precision Equipment: Minimizing water loss during brewing.

California’s Sierra Nevada Brewing Company has set a benchmark with its on-site water treatment facility, which allows the brewery to recycle and reuse water efficiently.

3. Sustainable Ingredients

Breweries are prioritizing sustainable ingredient sourcing to reduce their carbon footprint while also supporting their local communities. They’re doing this by:

-Partnering with local farms to reduce transportation emissions.

-Using organic or non-GMO grains and hops.

-Experimenting with alternative ingredients like recycled bread or surplus fruit to reduce food waste.

Brooklyn Brewery collaborated with Toast Ale to create a beer brewed with surplus bread, showcasing how breweries can creatively tackle food waste.

4. Waste Reduction and Circular Practices

Brewing beer produces a lot of organic waste, including spent grain and hops. To tackle this as they become more sustainable, breweries are finding innovative ways to reduce and reuse:

-Spent Grain Recycling: Partnering with farmers to use spent grain as animal feed or compost for crops.

-Zero-Waste Initiatives: Striving to send nothing to landfills by recycling materials and upcycling waste.

-Eco-Friendly Packaging: Transitioning to biodegradable or recyclable materials, such as cardboard carriers instead of plastic rings.

Brewery Vivant in Michigan has achieved zero-waste certification, diverting more than 90% of its waste away from landfills.

5. Carbon Footprint Reduction

Transportation, distribution, and packaging contribute heavily to a brewery’s carbon footprint. Many brewers are working to become more sustainable and offset this by:

-Sourcing locally to reduce transportation emissions.

-Distributing beer in kegs and cans, which are lighter and easier to recycle than glass bottles.

-Participating in carbon offset programs to balance emissions.

6. Community Involvement and Education

Many breweries are extending their environmental efforts beyond their operations and advocating for environmental causes by hosting events like:

-Sustainable Beer Festivals: Celebrating eco-friendly brewing practices.

-Workshops: Educating consumers on recycling, composting, and reducing their own carbon footprints.

-Clean-up Events: Engaging their customers in sustainability efforts through river and beach clean-ups.

Cheers to a Greener Future at The Growler Guys

The brewing industry is proving that sustainability doesn’t have to come at the expense of quality or innovation. With the extensive tap list at The Growler Guys, you can taste for yourself exactly how it’s possible to create a world-class beer while protecting the planet. Stop in for a pint, flight, or growler fill today, and cheers to a greener future!