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JULY, 2003 Leading Breweries Aiming to Limit New Belgium – the pioneer
After investing extensively in energy-efficient equipment in 1999, New Belgium began looking for ways to decrease its carbon emission levels further. Initially, the firm investigated the purchase of green power to offset the greenhouse gas created by the beer fermentation process. After an evaluation of its plant, it was discovered that conventional electricity generation released more carbon dioxide emissions than the fermentation process. In addition, since the advent of the green power market, purchasing green power is one of the easier ways to reduce a company’s carbon footprint. So New Belgium arranged to procure 1.8 million kWh for 10 years from the Fort Collins municipal utility. Since New Belgium is a profit-sharing organization, the decision to participate in premium priced green power clearly affects its employees. However, when presented with the opportunity to buy wind-generated power, employees decided unanimously to participate. New Belgium has been able to offset some of the higher cost by monitoring its power system and taking advantage of a peak contribution rate offered by Fort Collins Utilities. To celebrate this commitment, New Belgium hosted a local event to help raise awareness for other organizations regarding corporate environmental stewardship and commitment to green energy. Since then, additional organizations in the area have pledged to procure various levels of wind energy, including the City of Fort Collins, which approved a city-wide renewable portfolio goal in 2003 that recommends that the municipal utility procure at least 15% of the city’s electricity from non-hydro renewable resources by 2017. A recognized environmental leader and innovator, New Belgium was a 2001 winner of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Green Power Leadership Award. Uinta Brewing Companies – solidifying green power as good business practice On January 8, 2002, the Uinta Brewing Co., of Salt Lake City, Utah, followed suit by committing to 100% wind power purchased through Utah Power’s Blue Sky green power program for its new brewery and pub. “Utah Power launched the Blue Sky Wind Power program in 2000 to give our customers a choice in how their energy is produced and to allow them to participate in creating a demand for renewable energy resources,” said Bill Landels, Utah Power executive vice president. “We congratulate Uinta Brewing Co. on [its] commitment to the environment through participating in Blue Sky.” Uinta Brewing Co., named after Utah’s highest mountain range, was established in 1993. Will Hamill is the president and founder of the company. Uinta has brewed many award-winning beers, including Cutthroat Pale Ale and Kings Peak Porter. “Uinta Brewing Company is committed to the environment and our local community. We donate to community organizations and recycle everything we can,” says Hamill. “Running our new brewery and pub on 100% wind-generated electricity is the next logical step. We hope to encourage other local [businesses] to do the same by demonstrating that running a successful business and protecting the environment go hand-in-hand.” In addition to Uinta’s wind power purchase, the brewery strives to conserve energy and resources through its energy-efficient design. “The decision to run our new brewery using 100% wind power fits with our environmental convictions and our long-term strategy. Although wind power costs a little bit more, we feel that the environmental benefits outweigh the costs,” said Hamill. “Customers will likely be drawn to a product that is brewed by 100% wind power.” Outer Banks Brewing Station – wind power still facing siting difficulties When Outer Banks Brewing Station owners petitioned to construct a 10-kW Bergey Windpower turbine on the grounds of their restaurant and brewery in Kill Devil Hills, N.C., owners Aubrey Davis and Eric Reece must have imagined that their request was a win-win proposition for the town. Not only would they save electricity and avoid the emissions that result from conventional generation, they had offered to donate all the cost savings of $150-$200 per month to the town library for renewable energy educational materials and had also proposed partnering with the local high school and university to use the turbine as a teaching tool. However, the Commission rejected the petition on a vote of 4-1. Although all the 30 residents who turned out for the meeting were in favor of the proposal—and about half of them spoke in favor of it—the Mayor came out against the proposal, saying she didn’t think wind turbines were “compatible” in the town. The application for the turbine included a 250-foot setback and an acre of land. The restaurant owners were optimistic that they could receive a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to offset the $40,000 turbine and installation costs. The North Carolina Solar Center would have helped with installation and maintenance. The owners are now considering installing solar panels on the roof of the restaurant, and have plans to become part of the Million Solar Roofs Initiative. For more information, go to http://www.obbrewing.com . They can not reapply for a wind turbine permit for at least two years, but are interested in pursuing the application at that time. |
©
2003 by the American Wind Energy Association. |
ew Belgium Brewing
Company, the craft brewer of Fat Tire Amber Ale and other specialty beers,
started a trend when it decided to switch to 100% wind energy.