PR / Millers Falls, MA (May, 2024) – Element Brewing and Distilling has been recognized as a
“green beverage producer” by the recently launched BetterBev Recognition program. The
distinction was awarded by the UMass Boston Green Brewery Project as part of a coalition of
New England states receiving support from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Pollution
Prevention (P2) Grants. About 50 of New England’s more than 600 breweries have earned
recognition so far, half of those in Massachusetts.
Founded by veteran brewers Dan Kramer and Ben Anhalt, Element is highly admirable in its
energy conservation measures, retrofitting its building with LED lighting, insulating all of its
pipes, and utilizing a programmable thermostat for efficient heating/cooling. To lower emissions
even more, the business purchases 100% of its electricity through renewable energy certificates
from local community solar farms. The switch from basic grid service to community solar equates to 23.7 MTCO2e of avoided emissions annually. That’s enough to compensate for the annual electricity use of nearly five average homes in the U.S. according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies
Calculator.
It’s not just emissions from energy use that Element has succeeded in reducing; its commitment
to reusable serve ware in the taproom and a can carrier reuse program also lessen emissions
associated with solid waste. And its “beer miles” (emissions associated with deliveries) are far
less than most breweries, with half of its products sold on site and the rest distributed locally.
The brewhouse even purchases less CO 2 than most competitors by sealing tanks during late-stage fermentation to
take advantage of natural carbonation. Implementing such industry best practices and efficient
SOPs has helped Element score at or below the Brewers Association’s benchmarks for energy
use, water consumption, CO2 use and waste generation.
BetterBev was created to help beverage producers fully understand their environmental practices,
principles, and impact, with the goal of reducing production inefficiencies, improving health and
safety, and conserving natural resources. Recognition is earned after a beverage producer’s state oversight organization works with them to perform an audit and assessment of their
environmental practices and impact. The process covers criteria ranging from water use to
energy efficiency and conservation to waste reduction and even environmental culture.
For a list of the oversight organizations responsible for managing the green beverage producer
program in each New England state visit the BetterBev website.
About Element Brewing and Distilling
Founded in 2009 by friends Dan Kramer and Ben Anhalt in a small storefront in Millers Falls,
MA, Element specializes in fusing art and science to create unique and interesting beers and
spirits. Their brewery and distillery combine traditional brewing techniques with innovative
flavors to create unique and unforgettable beverages. Whether a beer enthusiast or a spirits
connoisseur, they’ve got something for everyone.