Brewing Green
Carol White - July 29, 2009
These days you would have to be living in a cave to be unaware of the importance of renewable energy, conservation of natural resources and reducing our collective carbon footprints. We at The Beer Drinkers Guide To Colorado salute those companies that really reach out and use those technologies that are available to run as a “green” business. This certainly includes our Colorado Breweries. Perhaps the best known of these is New Belgium Brewing Company, utilizing wastewater to produce useable energy, using wind-power, encouraging employee and patron bike-riding. etc.
We would like to take a minute to shine the light on some of the smaller breweries that are doing what they can to reduce, recycle, reuse, and harness natural energy to brew their wonderful beer.
Colorado Boy Pub and Brewery - Their electricity comes from wind power, their hot water from solar collectors on the roof. All spent grain and yeast is fed to local cattle.
Carver Brewing Company - Carver Brewing boasts the largest solar hot water system in Durango. It heats water for the brewery and the restaurant. Carver's electricity is being supplied from wind sources. As a matter of fact, all 4 of the Durango Breweries are purchasing their electricity from wind energy sources.
Trinity Brewing - No flush urinals, biodegradable cups, recycled barn wood and other recycled materials were used in their construction. The bar was created by the staff from broken beer bottles encased in an iridescent resin. The food at Trinity is provided, as much as possible, by local organic farmers. If you get to Trinity using biokenetics (i.e., foot power, pedal power, etc.) you will receive 10% off your total bill.
Aspen Brewing - Aspen Brewing Co means it when they say buy local. They are keeping their distribution in a 10 - 12 mile radius of the brewery, packaging exclusively in growlers. Their spent grain is given to local farms.
San Juan Hops Farm - This is a new operation near Montrose. They will be organic with a focus on green sustainability. Hydro electric power from their irrigation water source will power drying and processing equipment and buildings. They hope to supply craft breweries as well as home brewers. You may be able to harvest your own hops.
Bristol Brewing Company - Bristol's philosophy revolves around being a locals' microbrewery. A truck that runs on biodiesel delivers 90% of their beer around Colorado Springs. Spent grain is recycled to the nearby Venetucci Farm as soil amendment. And they offer a 10-cent credit to customers for six pack carriers brought back in good shape.
Both Phantom Canyon and Dry Dock Brewing give their spent grain to local pig farms.
Rocky Mountain Brewery has plans to install solar roof panels to heat their water. As well as supplying local farmers with spent grain. Duane wears recyclable shorts(?)
Ska Brewing is 100% wind-powered. In Springtime, they will be recycling their rinsing water to irrigate their landscape. Their green efforts include high-efficiency lighting, solar tubes, and recycled denim insulation in the walls.
Odell Brewing Company - recycles shrink-wrap, office ink and paper, plastic bundle straps, spent grain, and water and purchasing only recyclable glass and six-pack carriers made with recycled paperboard. All diesel trucks are powered with biodiesel, and Odell encourages all employees to use pedal power to get to work. Electrical needs at the brewery are met with 100% wind power.
Hats off to all of these brewers for not only brewing great beer, but for behaving responsibly toward the Colorado environment that we all love.
