The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the first-ever ENERGY STAR-certified distilleries list in November 2023. Eight top U.S. liquor makers made the cut thanks to their commitment to significant energy savings and fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The distilleries to receive this certification are:
- Bardstown Bourbon Company (Kentucky)
- Brown Forman’s Jack Daniel Distillery (Tennessee)
- Rabbit Hole (Kentucky)
- Heaven Hill’s Bernheim Distillery (Kentucky)
- Heaven’s Hill Deep Eddy Vodka (Texas)
- MGP/Lux Row (Kentucky)
- Heaven’s Door (Kentucky)
- Westland Whiskey (Washington)
“To solve the climate crisis, we need every sector of American manufacturing to demonstrate leadership in reducing emissions,” Michael S. Regan, EPA administrator, said in a news release. “I congratulate these ENERGY STAR-certified plants for leading the way and showing that distilleries can reduce emissions by operating in a more energy-efficient and cost-effective way.”
These distilleries implemented energy efficiency by right-sizing equipment, recovering cooling water, reducing steam usage, recommissioning appliances, and improving insulation.
The EPA worked with the alcohol industry to identify nearly 180 ways spirits producers can save energy — all released in this guide.
Energy efficiency was judged on a point scale of one to 100 on the EPA’s Energy Performance Indicator. Any distillery that earns 75 or higher will earn ENERGY STAR certification.
Photo Courtesy Energy Star
“We have invested millions of dollars to update our facilities with LED lighting, water recycling, and heat recovery components and technologies, making these facilitates more energy efficient and helping us do our part to contribute to a truly sustainable distilled spirits industry,” Allan Latts, Heaven Hills co-president, said in a statement.
To assist distillery owners, the EPA has helpful guides and white papers on implementing the best practices to reduce energy consumption. According to the Energy Star website, since the ENERGY STAR rating began in 1992, the U.S. has saved more than 5 trillion kWh and avoided over $5 billion in energy costs. They have also saved more than 4 billion metric tons of GHG. In 2020 alone, 520 billion kWh was saved, as well as $42 billion in cost savings.
More than 750,000 Americans manufacture or install ENERGY STAR appliances, which is around 35% of U.S. energy efficiency jobs. Around 1,700 manufacturers and 1,200 retailers partner with ENERGY STAR to make and sell verified products. They can track water use, energy use, and material waste.
Photo Courtesy Los Muertos Crew
“The careful stewardship of the environment and our natural resources along with energy efficiency are key to ensuring a sustainable and successful spirits industry,” Christine LoCascio, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) chief of policy and strategy, said in a statement.
Most household products are ENERGY STAR appliances, too. They can save up to $450 on yearly energy costs. Everything from a light bulb to a dishwasher is likely ENERGY STAR-certified.
Forty-five local governments, six states, a Canadian province, and a Canadian city use the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for energy transparency.
