As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, industries are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint, and the brewing industry is no exception. Hop production, in particular, is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. But the good news is that there is a growing movement towards carbon neutrality in the hop-growing industry, with innovations in sustainable farming practices and alternative energy sources. In this article, we’ll explore the journey towards low carbon or carbon neutral hops, highlighting key players, innovative technologies, and the impact of climate change on hop production.
The Carbon Footprint of Hop Production
As we’ve seen in the reference articles, hop production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions with carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. From the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and fuel to the drying process, hop production requires a lot of energy and resources. A life cycle assessment conducted by the Hop Growers of America found that drying hops alone makes up 47% of the carbon footprint of hop production and processing.
The Impact of Climate Change on Hop Production
Climate change is also having a significant impact on hop production, with hotter summers and unpredictable weather patterns affecting yields and quality. Hop growers in the Yakima Valley, who produce 40% of the world’s hop supply, have been battling one crisis after another, from violent windstorms to unprecedented heatwaves and wildfires. These issues have played out across the beer industry supply chain, affecting breweries’ access to clean water and ingredients.
The Rise of Carbon Neutral Hops
In response to these challenges, a growing movement towards carbon neutrality in hop production has emerged. Hop growers and breweries alike are exploring innovative solutions to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable farming practices. Ekonoke, a Spanish startup, is growing hops hydroponically in industrial units, yielding as much as outdoor crops while using less water and energy. Meanwhile, hop growers in the Pacific Northwest are turning to renewable energy sources like wind power to reduce their carbon emissions.
Hukins Hops and Carbon Neutral Hops
At Hukins Hops we grow a number of hop varieties that include Challenger, Fuggle, Bullion, Ernest, Goldings and Cascade. The environmental impact of the hop industry is at the forefront of what we do at the farm and carbon sequestration is part of reducing our carbon footprint.
You can read more about Our Story here.
Sustainable Farming Practices
Sustainable farming practices are also playing a key role in the rise of carbon neutral hops. Salmon-Safe certification, for example, ensures that farming practices protect water quality and habitat for salmon and other wildlife. The Hopsteiner Breeding Program focuses on improving hop quality while pursuing disease-resistant traits for better overall agronomics. Certified B Corp Mainstem Malt has debuted four new flagship malt varieties, each a regional blend of top grain varieties that are Salmon-Safe.
Alternative Energy Sources
Alternative energy sources like solar and wind power are also being explored in hop production. For example, Anheuser-Busch has made St. Louis the first major site for EverGrain US operations, repurposing grain to create renewable energy and furthering the brewer’s commitments to innovation, sustainability, and the community. These initiatives not only reduce carbon emissions but also translate to significant cost savings for farmers and breweries.
Carbon Offsetting
Carbon offsetting is another way that breweries and hop growers can reduce their carbon footprint. Drop Bear Beer Co. has achieved carbon neutrality since its inception by supporting 53 global projects, including a certified wind energy project in Brazil. The Hop Growers of America’s life cycle assessment provides hop growers and processors with baseline energy, chemical, water, and land usage metrics, which can be used to identify areas for impactful changes and carbon offsetting.
The Role of Brewers
Brewers also play a critical role in promoting sustainable practices in the hop-growing industry. New Belgium Brewing Co. and Fat Tire Amber Ale have led the charge, producing only carbon neutral beer and exploring alternative energy sources like solar and CO2 recapture. Hopworks Brewery has introduced a Kernza Lager in partnership with Patagonia Provisions, the food and beverage business of outdoor apparel, and gear company Patagonia, to restore soil. Breweries producing craft beer will certainly need to be mindful of low or zero carbon hops moving forward. You can read more about the evolution to carbon zero beer here.
Carbon Neutral Breweries by 2030
In order for UK breweries to become carbon neutral by 2030, they need to take several steps and adopt sustainable practices:
1. Measurement and reduction of carbon emissions: Breweries must accurately measure their carbon emissions from all aspects of their operations, including the production process, transportation, packaging, and waste management. This will help identify areas with the highest emissions and enable targeted reduction efforts.
2. Renewable energy transition: Breweries should aim to switch from fossil fuel-based energy sources to renewable energy. This can be achieved by installing solar panels, wind turbines, or connecting to renewable energy grids.
3. Energy efficiency improvements: Breweries can reduce their carbon footprint by implementing energy-efficient practices. This may include upgrading equipment and machinery to more energy-efficient models, optimizing production processes, and improving insulation in buildings.
4. Sustainable sourcing of ingredients: Breweries should prioritize sourcing ingredients from sustainable suppliers. This could involve sourcing locally or from farms and suppliers that employ regenerative farming techniques, which help sequester carbon and enhance biodiversity.
5. Waste management and circular economy: Breweries should implement effective waste management practices, including recycling and reusing materials, reducing single-use packaging, and encouraging customers to return containers for refilling.
6. Transport and logistics: Breweries should explore greener transportation options, such as utilizing electric vehicles for distribution or partnering with logistics companies that use low-emission vehicles. Optimizing delivery routes can also help reduce emissions.
7. Carbon offsetting: Breweries can offset their remaining emissions by investing in verified carbon offset projects, such as reforestation or renewable energy projects. This can help compensate for emissions that cannot be eliminated.
8. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing: Breweries should actively participate in industry networks, knowledge-sharing platforms, and collaborative initiatives to learn from peers and collectively work towards carbon neutrality. Sharing best practices and exploring innovative solutions will be crucial in achieving this goal.
It is important for breweries to set clear targets, regularly monitor progress, and provide transparent reporting on their carbon reduction efforts to demonstrate their commitment to carbon neutrality.
The Future of Carbon Neutral Hops
The rise of carbon neutral hops is a promising development for the brewing industry and the planet. Sustainable farming practices, alternative energy sources, and carbon offsetting initiatives are paving the way for a more environmentally friendly and economically sustainable hop-growing industry. As climate change continues to pose challenges, innovations in sustainable farming and brewing practices will be crucial in promoting a better future for all.
The journey towards carbon neutral hops is a collaborative effort between hop growers, breweries, and consumers. Sustainable farming practices, alternative energy sources, and carbon offsetting initiatives are the key components of this movement, paving the way for a more environmentally friendly and economically sustainable hop-growing industry. As we look towards the future, it’s clear that innovation and collaboration will be crucial in promoting a better future for all.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the journey towards carbon neutral hops is a collaborative effort between hop growers, breweries, and consumers. Sustainable farming practices, alternative energy sources, and carbon offsetting initiatives are the key components of this movement, paving the way for a more environmentally friendly and economically sustainable hop-growing industry. As we look towards the future, it’s clear that innovation and collaboration will be crucial in promoting a better future for all.
