As the New Year sets in and many businesses start to focus on their 2023 goals and resolutions there is one entity we hope is at the forefront of craft beer brewery plans and commitments and that is the environment. Often forgotten about in the bustle of the beer business and long neglected as a population as a whole Mother Nature is just now starting to get the attention she deserves. While craft beer enthusiasts around the world enjoy the fruits of so many wonderful brewery’s labors it is essential that these very same companies and consumers get behind the environmental initiatives that are working to preserve and protect the earth’s natural resources. As many of the most astute brands and organizations try to reduce their carbon footprint in 2023 it will be essential that the craft beer industry sets a precedent as a community that wholeheartedly wants to create environmentally friendly production practices.
From building and facility energy use to driving to air travel to shipping to logistics to food consumption to waste to events to barrel production and so much more there is a lot that goes into making beer which is why it is so essential to try and improve every step of the process. As breweries progress in their development it can at times be easy to lose sight of environmentally friendly practices which is why joining the below initiatives can be a great way for craft beer breweries to hold themselves accountable to positive change and be a steward for the earth. Regardless if it is craft beer brewing equipment upgrades, production, and process re-tooling, community partnerships, or educational efforts that help businesses manage their environmental impact supporting the below initiatives can go a long way towards creating a successful and sustainable craft beer business in 2023 and beyond.
Essential Craft Beer Brewery Environmental Initiative #1: Brewers’ Climate Declaration
Sponsored by the Business Climate Leaders organization the “Brewers’ Climate Declaration” is a movement by breweries to raise their collective voice to encourage Members of Congress to enact climate and environmental solutions in an effective, bipartisan, economically supportive and equitable way. The signatures are presented to legislators in Washington, DC. and this is a great chance to join a long list of brewers who support this worthy environmental cause.
Essential Craft Beer Brewery Environmental Initiative #2: Brewers for Clean Water
The environmental initiative Brewers for Clean Water (BFCW) advocates for measures that protect water resources from upstream pollution and keep waterways clean for downstream neighbors. One of the biggest focuses of the BFCW campaign is to support the Clean Water Rule, which defines the scope of the 1972 Clean Water Act and protects vulnerable waterways from pollution and destruction. There are currently over 135 craft beer breweries that have joined this movement and there is no reason for this number not to rise significantly in 2023.
Essential Craft Beer Brewery Environmental Initiative #3: Energy Star Treasure Hunt Map for Microbreweries
The Energy Star treasure hunt for microbreweries initiative focuses on helping brewers uncover opportunities to save energy, money, and the environment. This checklist tool and support system allow brewers to make notes about location; tools, materials, or expertise needed; or further research required to improve environmental friendliness. This 14-page treasure map initiative is an ideal way for craft beer breweries to identify a wide variety of areas to improve upon in terms of creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly business.
As you can see there are plenty of avenues in the New Year for craft breweries to take when it comes to improving upon their environmental impact and initiatives like the above that add value to the world are always worth investigating. What steps in 2023 will you be taking to enhance the sustainability of your business and the communities around you?
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