Breweries Going Green
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., located in Chico, California, is known for their environmentally friendly practices. The brewery boasts a 10-acre solar farm, which provides 20% of their energy needs. They also have a magnificent water treatment and purification system, allowing them to conserve and reuse water in their brewing process. Furthermore, Sierra Nevada has a composting program that reduces material waste from their taproom and brewery.
Recently, they have even begun growing their own hops on a nearby farm, a more sustainable alternative to importing. With their sustainable initiatives, Sierra Nevada Brewing CO. is a model brewery for others to follow.
Community Involvement
New Belgium Brewing Co.
New Belgium Brewing Co., located in Fort Collins, Colorado, has made community involvement an essential part of their mission. Every year, New Belgium donates $1 per barrel of beer sold to various nonprofits organizations in their community. They form partnerships with organizations working towards sustainability, such as bike advocacy groups and environmental conservation groups—campaigns that fit naturally with the core values of the company.
The brewery also sponsors various events, including bike races, concerts, and film screenings. New Belgium’s commitment to community involvement, sustainability and charity make them an exceptional brewery.
Social Impact
BrewDog
BrewDog, a Scotland-based craft brewery, has been expanding globally, and with each new location, they seek to make a positive impact in the community. They have set up an Equity for Punks program, which allows people to purchase shares of the brewery. The program has raised millions of dollars, which BrewDog has used to fund their expansion and charitable causes.
The company has also launched a charity, the BrewDog Foundation, which supports a variety of organizations such as helping the homeless, promoting diversity in the brewing industry and wildlife conservation. BrewDog is a model of a socially conscious business that aims to improve the society around them.
Conclusion
From sustainability to community involvement and charity, these breweries have set the bar for what it means to be a socially responsible business. While enjoying a beer, remember the positive impact you can have by supporting these businesses that strive to make positive changes beyond just making great beer.
