New
Belgium Brewing Joins BICEP Business Coalition Advocating Strong Energy
New Belgium Brewing, the
nation’s third largest craft brewery, today announced it is joining Business
for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy (BICEP), a coalition of major
American businesses pushing for passage of comprehensive energy and climate
legislation in the U.S.
“New Belgium has long strived to be a sustainable business role model, but
we also recognize that legislative advocacy is vital to creating the
conditions for widespread sustainable business practices,” said Jenn
Orgolini, Sustainability Director at New Belgium. “We view BICEP as our ally
in D.C., giving us the opportunity to join other business voices in
advocating for aggressive energy and climate policies that address the
tremendous challenges and opportunities facing our country.”
New Belgium Brewing, based in Fort Collins, CO, is considered a leader in
sustainable business practices in the craft beer industry. In 1998 New
Belgium became the first brewery in America to subscribe to wind energy for
its electrical needs. The brewery currently produces 15% of its electricity
onsite, by harvesting methane from its process water treatment facility to
fire a co-generation engine. New Belgium recently installed the largest
private solar array in Colorado at 200kW and boasts one of the lowest
water-to-beer production rates in the industry.
“In our current economic and political climate it’s more important than ever
to have business voices stepping forward in support of progressive energy
and climate policy,” said Mindy Lubber, president of Ceres, a leading
coalition of investors and environmental groups that coordinates BICEP.
“These policies are a win-win for our environment, our global
competitiveness, our health and for American workers. So we welcome New
Belgium Brewing, and its commitment to sustainability, as the newest member
of the ever-growing BICEP family.”
BICEP members also include Levi Strauss & Co., Nike, Starbucks Inc., Aspen
Skiing Company, Ben and Jerry's, Best Buy Co., Clif Bar & Company, eBay,
Eileen Fisher, Gap Inc., Jones Lang LaSalle, The North Face, Seventh
Generation, Stonyfield Farm Inc., Symantec, Target Corp., The Timberland
Company and Outdoor Industry Association.
The coalition was a leading business voice for comprehensive energy and
climate policy in the last Congress, where such legislation came closer than
ever to becoming a reality. The U.S. House passed comprehensive legislation
in June 2009, and a Senate coalition headed by Democrat John Kerry of
Massachusetts and Independent Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut sponsored
similar legislation for the Senate. The Obama administration has also been
active in pushing for comprehensive energy and climate action.
The BICEP coalition is coordinated by Ceres, which also directs the Investor
Network on Climate Risk, a network of more than 90 institutional investors
with nearly $10 trillion under management focused on addressing the
financial risks and investment opportunities posed by climate change.
More about BICEP’s nine core principles for energy independence and climate
policy can be found at:
http://www.ceres.org/bicep.
About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of
Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in
1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium
produces seven year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Sunshine Wheat, Blue
Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, Mothership Wit and Trippel, as well
as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers,
New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with
progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a
commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit
www.newbelgium.com.
