Tips for Reducing Energy Consumption at Your Brewery

It can be costly to run any business. In particular, breweries have a large overhead that requires tons of equipment, employees, licenses, and so on. The level of energy it takes to keep all the brewery components running is quite a hefty load. This can be a burden on the finances. How is your operation handling the per barrel of beer vs. the amount of electricity it takes to produce each? While the cost of equipment and employees cannot be avoided, you can take methods to help reduce energy costs. Take advantage of these tips to cut back on energy usage and the related expenses in your brewery.

The Impact of Construction

If your brewery is relatively new, you may be able to rethink the building’s structural design. Many new brewery owners tend to think about beginning their journey in large empty warehouses. However, this will not be the most energy-efficient. When it comes to a commercial building, you will find that the construction and insulation are vital to the building’s energy efficiency potential. If you have not officially set up shop yet, it is worth your while to consider using energy-efficient building methods much as tilt-up construction.

Energy Use Audit

When working with a building you already have, it is wise to begin with an energy audit. An energy audit is a great option to be able to visualize and understand where all your energy use is coming from, where it is efficient and where it is wasted. An energy auditor can run tests to confirm which building areas, equipment pieces, and areas of operation are impacting energy costs and provide a breakdown of how they are doing so. This is a great start, so you know what to work on.

Evaluate Refrigeration Situation

How much energy does your brewery use for refrigeration? A fair amount of energy is needed for the fermentation process and to keep the beers fresh after they are made. Avoid wasting too much energy on refrigeration by checking for cracked pipes, leaks, or doors that are not shutting properly. These checks should be done regularly. It is helpful to put effort into optimizing your refrigeration. You may even want to consider new units if they take up significant portions of your brewery’s electric fees.

Invest in Equipment Updates

The equipment you are using to brew makes a significant impact on the brewery’s energy usage. How are you ensuring that you are using the minimal amount of fuel that is needed? It is essential to check your equipment for leaks and that the overall insulation is up to par. This will help minimize heat loss and decrease the amount of fuel that is used. It is also helpful to determine the perfect pressure for optimal performance.

HVAC and Lighting Improvement

Lighting and air conditioning systems play a big part in electricity expenses. Therefore, it is in your best interest to make sure the lighting and HVAC systems are in good condition. Consider changing all the lights to energy-efficient bulbs. Whenever possible, allow natural lighting to replace your lights. Regarding the HVAC system, you can switch to an energy-efficient model if you haven’t already. Retrofitting your current system to be more energy-efficient is also an option. The system’s filters should be changed regularly, and maintenance should be routine.

Assess Compressed Air and Bottling Systems

How is your compressed air system working to your advantage for bottling and production? When it is not in prime working condition, it can quickly eat at the energy budget. Do what you can to avoid using more than is truly needed. It is also recommended to stay up on leak checks and repairs. Be sure that the compressor is always turned off when it is not in use. With these changes, you should see that the energy usage from compressed air will significantly decrease.

The Power of Optimization

If you have implemented all those energy-saving methods and energy costs are still an issue, you may need to better examine your processes. Consider what part of your operations is consuming energy to guide you to create a more concentrated brew. Should you reduce your water usage or pay closer attention to bad habits employees have taken up, such as leaving machines running when they aren’t in use.

About David G. Sayles Insurance Services

At David G. Sayles Insurance Services, we help our clients decide which of these options is best for them based on their current situation and risk factors.  Contact us at 1-855-977-1842 or insureme@dsayles.mysites.io for a consultation!