Spoetzl Brewery Announces Groundbreaking Sustainability Measures

Spoetzl Brewery, renowned for its beloved Shiner Beer, is making waves in the sustainability arena with a series of impactful onsite initiatives. The family-owned brewery is dedicated to environmental stewardship and community well-being, spearheading innovative measures such as solar-powered energy integration, enhanced waste reduction protocols, and efficient recycling systems.

Capitalizing on the surging trend of sustainable energy, Spoetzl Brewery has installed a significant array of solar panels, generating an impressive 2.0 megawatts of electricity. This green energy source now fuels 30% of the brewery's power needs, marking a substantial leap toward cleaner operations. Complementing the solar panels, the brewery employs skylights and energy-efficient LED lighting to further curtail electricity consumption.

“At the Spoetzl Brewery, we’re committed to investing in renewable energy initiatives and to minimizing our carbon footprint”, says Tom Fiorenzi, Shiner’s Director of Brewery & Distillery Operations. “We’re proud to have the largest solar array on a brewery in Texas and are hopeful that other breweries and businesses will follow in our footsteps.”

Beyond harnessing solar power, Spoetzl Brewery has implemented stringent waste reduction measures. Achieving a remarkable 98% waste recycling rate, the brewery leads the way in sustainability. Annual recycling efforts include diverting 200 tons of paper and over 300 tons of glass, significantly reducing carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions. The brewery ingeniously repurposes exhaust from its brew kettles to fuel a hot water system, providing heat for various operations across the facility.

Spoetzl Brewery's commitment extends beyond its walls to benefit local communities. Over 13,000 tons of spent grain annually find new purpose as a valuable food source for local farmers' animals. Additionally, the brewery utilizes an anaerobic wastewater pretreatment system, generating biogas that supplies over eight percent of heating needs. A remarkable 33 percent of the brewery's treated wastewater is used to cultivate hay, supporting neighboring farmers.

Expanding its footprint, Spoetzl Brewery recently inaugurated the K. Spoetzl Distillery, specializing in craft spirits, and introduced an onsite BBQ restaurant. Open to the public seven days a week, the brewery and distillery offer separate tours and tastings, providing a unique and immersive experience for visitors.

Spoetzl Brewery's holistic approach to sustainability underscores its commitment to the environment, community welfare, and an enhanced visitor experience. As the brewery forges ahead with its green initiatives, it stands as a beacon of inspiration for the craft brewing industry.