Commitment to 100% Solar Power
It’s a proud moment in the history of Vermont craft brewery and certified B Corp, Lawson’s Finest Liquids. After putting in years of substantial planning and investment, the company can now boast that it’s running its brewery operations and beer production 100 percent on solar energy. This commendable achievement owes its success to the implementation of on-site solar arrays, including the largest solar canopy in the state of Vermont.
“The process of brewing delicious beer is indeed an art that requires considerable resources,” admits Sean Lawson, the founding brewer at Lawson’s Finest Liquids. “However, we were always certain there were greener and more sustainable methods to indulge in our passion. It was back in 2019 when we initiated solar investments, and now, having reached our ultimate goal of becoming 100 percent solar-powered, we couldn’t be happier.”
Solar Project Details
In 2019, the Lawson’s Finest team installed its first solar array over the brewery roof. This marked the beginning of their journey into renewable energy, leveraging it for their production processes. With a system of 43 kw AC and over 140 solar panels, they managed to produce approximately 52,000 kWh of electricity every year.
Fast forward to 2022, they further escalated their efforts by constructing the largest solar canopy in Vermont. Featuring a grand total of 495 individual solar modules, it’s placed over 40 covered parking spaces, complimented by 12 level-two electric vehicle charging stations. The combined power of this setup and the 215 kW solar array, spread across 495 modules, effectively offsets about 60% of the Waitsfield brewery’s utility bill. To bring it down to a more relatable context, it supplies enough energy to brew around 2.4 million cans of Lawson’s Finest annually.
Social Impact Program
Lawson’s Finest’s solar initiative aligns perfectly with its Social Impact Program – or simply “SIP” as the team endearingly refers to it. The program represents the brewery’s commitment to fostering healthy communities, endorsing sustainable recreation, and advocating for environmental conservation. Since its inception in 2018, the SIP program has successfully raised and donated more than $2 million to various worthy environmental causes and projects aimed at enhancing community cohesion.
Adeline Druart, CEO of Lawson’s Finest Liquids, comments on the culture that has been grown at the brewery over the past decade and a half: “The Lawson’s Finest team has fostered a vibrant culture authentically rooted in the Social Impact Program. Achieving 100% solar power is certainly a milestone worth celebrating. But as we move forward, we’re also keen on reducing our use of wastewater and energy by exploring more eco-friendly opportunities. Ultimately, our objective is to brew great beer while also contributing positively to society.”
The commendable solar efforts of Lawson’s Finest will significantly contribute to the state’s goal of utilizing 90% renewable energy by 2050. However, the journey to achieve greater sustainability continues. The dedicated team at Lawson’s Finest remains committed to continuous improvement, emphasizing both the areas of sustainable practices and community-building.
Alated their solar initiatives by introducing a 210-panel solar canopy, spread over 4,000 square feet. It is designed to yield 303,570 kWh of power each year. From utilization to cost savings, this new venture is essential for the planet, mitigating the release of an estimated 230,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.
The Lawson’s Finest Liquids’ unwavering commitment to 100% solar power is truly commendable. Not only does it showcase their dedication to sustainability, but it also sets a positive example for other companies to follow. Investing in renewable energy is the way forward, and we applaud Lawson’s for taking this bold step towards a greener future.
Through the implementation of on-site solar arrays and other initiatives, Lawson’s Finest Liquids has successfully achieved their goal of becoming 100% solar-powered. This impressive achievement not only showcases their commitment to sustainability but also sets a great example for other companies to follow in reducing their carbon footprint. We applaud Lawson’s for their efforts and hope to see more businesses taking similar steps towards a greener future.
Alated their commitment towards 100 percent solar-powered operations by adding more solar panels, bringing the total to 375. This enlarged array compliments another smaller canopy and reduces their carbon footprint by 200,000 kWh of electricity annually.
Overall, we’re thrilled to see a company like Lawson’s Finest Liquids setting a strong precedent for renewable energy in the brewing industry. Their commitment to sustainable practices not only benefits the environment, but it also inspires others to follow suit. Cheers to a greener and cleaner future!
I am inspired by Lawson’s Finest Liquids’ commitment to 100% solar power for their brewery operations. It’s encouraging to see companies taking significant steps towards sustainability and setting an example for others in the industry. I hope to see more businesses following suit and contributing to a greener future. Cheers to Lawson’s Finest for their determination and dedication towards renewable energy!