As I raised a glass on St. Patrick’s Day, I had a passing question about how sustainability could effect the libation I was enjoying. Beer production requires a huge amount of clean water, large amounts of energy, and a stable climate in which to grow hops and barley. These resources are affected by climate change, which threatens water scarcity, energy uncertainties, and unpredictable weather. What are beer makers doing to ensure their continued access to the natural resources they need to brew brew? The Brewery Climate Declaration has the answer. It’s one of several campaigns supported by Ceres, a nonprofit that organizes investors and business leadership for a sustainable economy.

More than three dozen breweries, including Guinness, Sierra Nevada, New Belgium Brewing, and Smuttynose Brewing Company have signed the Ceres Climate Declaration, and are incorporating sustainability into their production process. Innovative practices include investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency, reducing water use, recapturing waste, and sourcing sustainably. These practices have the triple bottom line effect of producing more profit, taking care of the planet, and making their consumers very happy. I’ll drink to that.

Read the release: http://bit.ly/1CDjY8a

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