The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a new Energy Performance Indicator (EPI) tool developed specifically for distilleries on its ENERGY STAR website.
The EPI compares a distillery’s energy efficiency to distilleries with similar characteristics. It can be used to help distilleries benchmark, improve their energy efficiency, and seek special ENERGY STAR certification recognizing distilleries that are best in class for energy efficiency.
The EPI was developed between EPA, Duke University, and a team of DISCUS members and other distilleries participating in the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program.
The distilled spirits sector is the first in the beverage alcohol industry to have its own EPI and can apply for ENERGY STAR certification of its U.S. and Canadian distilleries.
The EPI accounts for differences between plants that affect energy use and calculates a plant Energy Performance Score on a scale from 1 to 100, with a score of 100 reflecting the most efficient level of performance.
“Focusing on energy efficiency is one of the most effective ways distilleries can lower their carbon emissions and save money on utility costs,” said Danny Macri, ENERGY STAR sector lead for distilleries. “The ENERGY STAR score helps managers understand if their distillery can become more energy efficient and whether they are leaving any money on the table due to energy waste.”
U.S. and Canadian distilleries that score 75 or higher can apply to earn ENERGY STAR certification. The U.S. application materials are available at www.energystar.gov/plants and must be submitted by November 30th to qualify for the 2023 ENERGY STAR certification.
DISCUS will hold a webinar for distilleries on September 13 at 1 p.m. (EST) with EPA and others who will present the ENERGY STAR Energy Performance Indicator (EPI) for distilleries and explain the application process for ENERGY STAR certification.
Earlier this year, DISCUS was awarded the 2023 ENERGY STAR PARTNER OF THE YEAR from the EPA for promoting ENERGY STAR energy management resources and partnering with the EPA to develop new energy-saving distillery tools.
