Tennessee Sustainable Spirits Resources

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Tennessee is home to world class whiskey, wine, beer, and other fine spirits. The craft spirit producer’s connection to people, land, and resources is a relationship in which sustainability plays a vital role. The Tennessee Sustainable Spirits (TNSS) program is a voluntary recognition and technical assistance initiative administered by TDEC’s Office of Sustainable Practices (OSP) which seeks to reduce operational costs and environmental impacts for wineries and wine growers, breweries, and distilleries as well as serve as a gateway to sustainability education through popular brands. The new voluntary program assists wineries and wine growers, breweries, and distilleries in improving operational sustainability by promoting best practices, providing technical assistance, and developing relationships.

This webpage houses resources for the craft spirit industry regarding environmental sustainability. You will find tips and tools, as well as webinars and events to become better environmental stewards while also reducing your bottom line.

Upcoming Webinars

Our next webinar is "Solar Energy for Spirits Producers" on February 27, 2024 at 10:30 am, CST

Iowa Green Brewing Certification
They work directly with Iowa’s breweries to minimize their environmental impact by providing technical assistance and guidance in four key areas: Environmental Planning, Energy Efficiency, Water Quality and Conservation, and  Solid Waste Diversion & Disposal.

Colorado Sustainable Breweries Assistance Program
They offer free environmental assessments to raise awareness on the environmental impacts of brewing beer. They also provide brewers with pollution prevention strategies. - Case Study

Kentucky Sustainable Spirits
The Division of Compliance Assistance, in collaboration with the Kentucky Distillers Association, have created the Sustainable Spirits Initiative to bring members of the industry together to discuss and share their experiences about current environmental issues and aspire to shape future opportunities for this sector.

California Sustainable Winegrowing
California wine community has made a strong commitment to sustainability and transparency, as evidenced through the self-assessment and certification programs that have emerged in the last decade.

North Carolina’s Green Breweries and Distilleries
North Carolina’s Division of Environmental Assistance’s Green Travel Program awards recognition to breweries and distilleries base on three scale system. Level of sustainability is determined through an application that covers waste reduction and recycling, energy management, water efficiency, air quality, transportation, environmental measurement, grounds keeping, housekeeping and clan-up, green purchasing, LEED certification, and certification by other organizations.

Virginia’s Environmental Excellence Program
Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality’s Environmental Excellence Program is a membership program in which any organization can participate in by submitting an application that includes general information, documented culture of sustainability, list of recent accomplishments, and future commitments.

Vermont’s Green Brewery Cohort
Overseen by Vermont’s Department of Environmental Conservation, the Green Brewery Cohort is membership program for breweries. Membership is obtained by committing to a minimum of 5% reduction in energy use, join the Vermont Green Business Program, submit metrics on environmental impacts.

Smart Steps to Sustainability 2.0
A step by step approach to greening your small business. This 16 page PDF and spreadsheet will help you organize your vision, determine motivators, and develop your approach to becoming a greener business. This link can help with your environmental impact assessment, long-term objectives, and setting goals.

Earthly Labs
This company is focused on creating carbon capture technology that’s available to more companies and people.

Organics
The TN Department of Environment and Conservation offers additional information on residential and commercial composting.

Metro Nashville Waste Information

Solid Waste Reduction Manual
From the Brewer’s Association

Water and Wastewater: Treatment/Volume Reduction Manual
From the Brewer’s Association

Stormwater Management Practices at EPA Facilities
Additional information on storm water management practices from EPA’s website.

Tennessee Stormwater Management Program
Additional information on storm water training in Tennessee.

The UT Center for Industrial Services
This resource can provide energy efficiency and environmental management services.

Energy Auditor Checklist
Washington State University’s Energy Program offers this, which can help identify opportunities to improve energy efficiencies throughout facilities.

Energy Sustainability Manual
The Brewers Association offers best practices on variable speed drive applications.

EnergyRight Solutions
A list of reps that are trusted energy advisors, ready to help set and reach energy goals.

EPA’s Power Profiler
A resource that helps determine the type and amount of emissions produced depending on how electricity is generated in each region.

Tip Sheets by System
Tip sheets for pumps, motors, compressed air, process heating, and steam from energy.gov.

Energy Efficiency Improvement and Cost Saving Opportunities for Breweries
An ENERGY STAR® Guide for Energy and Plant Managers.

Value Stream Mapping
Value stream mapping (VSM) is a lean tool that uses a flow diagram to show every stage of the process; it helps to identify and eliminate waste, decrease cycle time,and implement process improvement.

Sustainable Marketplace: Greener Products and Services
The EPA provides resources on the benefits of and ways to identify green cleaning products.

Safer Choice Products
Provides a list of products for businesses and homes that are safer and greener compared to traditional cleaning products.