Yesterday I had the opportunity to tour New Belgium Brewery for the second time in the last 14 months. Earliest this month, 2nd Green Revolution carried a write up of the first visit. Subsequently, we have written several other stories about (or mentioning) the brewery. In yesterday’s visit there were several new features that were mentioned on the tour, and a few that I had not known of previously.

Starting in their super efficient brewhouse, New Belgium installed a system that brings the beer to a quick boil as it flows over a giant hot plate. Instead of heating the liquid once it has filled the 200 barrel (6200 gallon tank), which requires a significantly higher energy intake, the beer heats as it runs over the surface of the heating element.

The tour guide mentioned the new photovoltaic system being installed on the roof of their two-and-a-half year old bottling plant. The solar panels cover 25,000 square feet of the roof and will generate roughly 12% of the company’s electricity. In addition, the sidewalk between the bottling plant and the brewhouse is paved with porous materials that reduce runoff during storms (as well as reducing pollutants in runoff), help prevent erosion, alleviate flooding and replenish groundwater.

I was impressed (again) by their on site waste water treatment facility is a model of smart design. Combustion of methane resulting from the water treatment generates electricity for the operations of the plant. Total electrical production ranges between 10 and 15% of energy consumption.

There were several other impressive points on the tour. The founder, no longer with the company in any official capacity, has constructed a net-zero home, one that produces as much (or more) energy as it consumes. Also, New Belgium brews Mothership Wit, an organically sourced beer. These minor details further indicate the culture that pervades the company.

Lastly, in the lobby where items are available for sale, New Belgium carries several local, recycled, and compostable products. New Belgium has set the groundwork for a sustainable business.

- Eric Wilson

[image source: New Belgium]