A constantly trending topic, the concept of sustainability in business shows no signs of becoming less important in 2023. As the thought leaders of the world try to solve major environmental issues it is essential that companies around the world also realize their role in preserving natural resources and saving Mother Nature. Environmental destruction is no longer becoming an option for businesses and now brands, products, and services are spending an increased amount of time and energy on figuring out how to integrate sustainable environmentally friendly practices into their organizational procedures. Never an industry to lag behind popular trends and positive changes the craft beer industry is in many regards leading the way in sustainable business.
A product highly reliant on earth’s natural resources, craft beer is a prime example of the opportunity to make great products that people want while also keeping the focus on saving and protecting the environment. While still a relatively new process for a lot of breweries there are slowly becoming a few stand-out brewery examples of what it takes to set a positive example for future craft beer businesses. Not an easy solution to implement sustainable brewing not only takes hard work and significant investment but also requires a dedication to global stewardship and local community care.
If we want to continue the progress we have already made in sustainable craft beer brewing we must follow the journey of the innovators to gain a valuable understanding of how to remain successful for generations to come. To do this let’s take a look at three of the best sustainable brewery examples there are to gain insight into exactly how they are managing their environmental impacts and carbon footprints.
Sustainable Brewery Example #1: Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company
Beau’s “Local Organic” is the only beer in Canada that is both certified organic and certified carbon neutral. Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company is a positive sustainable brewing example because they:
- Use Local Ingredients.
- Source Certified Organic Ingredients.
- Leverage Green Electricity.
- Are Carbonzero Certified
- Integrate Wastewater Treatment Craft Beer Brewing Equipment
- Provide Paid Employee Volunteer Days
- Promotes Employee Car Pooling and Ride Sharing
- Raises Money For Charity
- Participates In Research Projects
Sustainable Brewery Example #2: Persephone Brewing Company
Persephone Brewing Company is a Certified B Corporation which is a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit. This farm-based brewery is a positive sustainable craft beer making example because they:
- Committed to Sustainable and Responsible Land Management Practices.
- Grow Their Own Barley
- Part of Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA)
- Host A Farmers Market
- Provides Local Community Food Boxes
- Partners With Local Bee Keepers, Barley Growers, and Apple Orchards
- Utilizes Organic Growing Practices
- Sustainably Manages Waste Outputs
- Features Workshops and Dinner Events
Sustainable Brewery Example #3: Fremont Brewing Co.
Fremont Brewing is a green business member of EnviroStars, a Washington program that helps businesses protect their workplace, the community, and the planet. This WA Business for Climate Action, Brewshed Alliance, American Organic Hop Grower Association (AOHGA), Cascadia Grains Conference, and Stewardship Partners member is a positive sustainable craft beer brewery example because they:
- They Are Green/Sustainable Business Award Winners
- Received The Triple Bottom Line Sustainability Award for Small Business Award
- 60% of Their Energy Is From Renewable Energy Sources
- Use On-Site Generated Steam Which Is Much More Efficient Than Natural Gas
- Metered Water Usage And Sloped Floors For Increased Water Conservation
- Invest In Renewable Energy Technologies
- Signed the Brewery Climate Declaration
- Has Taken the Clean Water Pledge
- Supports The Cowiche Canyon Conservancy
While the above three craft beer breweries are great examples of what can be done to create a sustainable business in the industry there are plenty of other great companies making beer while conserving the environment and giving back to the community. Is your brewery thinking about becoming more sustainable? Let’s talk about equipment upgrades.
English 
Spanish 
French