Is Your Beer Green? Portico Brewing Thinks it Should Be
Climate change and environmental sustainability are concerns that everyone ought to take seriously, and businesses are no exception. Yes, even the micro-breweries we all know and love should be doing their part, and one in particular is leading the charge. Portico Brewing, a small batch brewery located in Massachusetts, is reaching new sustainability heights with its innovative ‘Environmental Handprint’ plan.
What is the ‘Environmental Handprint’ Plan?
The Environmental Handprint goes beyond reducing the negative sustainability impact or ‘footprint’ of the brewery. It’s designed to create a positive effect on the environment, reaching beyond standard eco-friendly practices to create a ‘handprint’ – or positive environmental impact. The plan includes water reclamation, energy conservation, and recycling initiatives designed to make the brewing process not just less damaging to the environment, but actively beneficial.
Water Conservation and Reclamation
The Problem with Traditional Brewing
According to the Brewers Association, brewing beer is a notoriously water-intensive process. It takes about seven barrels of water to produce just one barrel of beer. With the environmental crises we’re facing today, this is far from efficient or sustainable. Fresh water is a limited resource, and wasting it in excess is not an option.
Portico’s Solution
Portico Brewing recognized this issue and decided to do something about it. The brewery has implemented new water reclamation techniques designed to reduce the amount of water wasted in the brewing process. Used water is treated and reused, drastically reducing the overall water requirements. This means that every pint of beer you enjoy from Portico Brewing is much more eco-friendly than the industry standard.
Energy Efficient Brewing
Energy and Brewing
We’ve all turned up the thermostat a time or two to regulate our home’s temperature, but did you know that brewing also requires heating and cooling at different stages? This requires an immense amount of energy. In fact, energy consumption is one of the most significant contributors to a brewery’s carbon footprint.
The Portico Approach
Portico Brewing is taking measures to reduce their energy usage at every stage of the brewing process. They are leveraging renewable energy sources to power their brewery. The result is a brewing process that uses less traditional energy and relies more on sustainable methods, such as solar power. The use of energy-efficient brewing equipment is also playing a significant role in reducing the brewery’s carbon footprint.
Recycling Carefully and Creatively
Waste is a Big Deal
In brewing, as in any other production process, waste is inevitable. The key is knowing how to deal with it efficiently. Solid waste from brewing, such as hops and grains, can pile up quickly and contribute greatly to a brewery’s environmental footprint.
Portico’s Creative Solutions
Portico Brewing is working to recycle and reuse waste products creatively. Spent grain, a by-product of brewing, is given to local farmers for animal feed instead of going to the landfill. Other solid wastes are composted and used in local gardening programs, contributing to a circular economy.
Conclusion
Portico Brewing’s ‘Environmental Handprint’ plan is a forward-thinking approach to environmental sustainability in an industry that’s traditionally resource-intensive. The brewery’s commitment to water conservation, energy efficiency, and innovative recycling practices demonstrates that businesses, even ones as tasty as breweries, have a responsibility to our environment. Plus, it’s just one more reason to feel good about enjoying a cold brew from Portico Brewing.
As consumers, our choices matter. By choosing to support businesses that are committed to sustainability, we contribute to a more sustainable planet. So, next time you’re reaching for a cold one, consider Portico Brewing, where every pint comes with a positive ‘Environmental Handprint.’ Cheers to that!
