Beer brewed sustainably more in demand

Washington: People are willing to spend more on beer brewed using sustainable practices, according to a US study which found that investing in methods to save energy and reduce greenhouse gases will pay off for breweries. Researchers from Indiana University in the US found that a majority of beer drinkers would be willing to pay more for beer produced with sustainable practices. On average, US beer drinkers would pay about USD 1.30 more per six- pack, they said. “The takeaway for the brewing industry is that it is financially feasible to introduce energy- saving practices into the brewing process,” said Sanya Carley, associate professor at Indiana University. “Even if it ends up adding costs, more than half of all beer consumers are willing to absorb those extra costs,” she said. The research, published in the journal PLOS ONE, highlights potential for energy savings and sustainability in an energyintensive industry that is growing rapidly, especially in the craft- beer segment. The number of craft breweries grew by over 200 per cent between 2005 and 2015, and their production increased by over 12 per cent each year. The industry has considerable potential for reducing energy use. Some breweries have already added solar panels, installed onsite wastewater treatment plants, insulated brewing vessels and recaptured steam from the brewing process.