Green with Briess - Our Sustainable Practices

As a manufacturer of value-added organic ingredients for beer and food processors, Briess Industries, Inc. is committed to operating in an environmentally conscious manner. Our objective is to be a trusted and committed supplier to the food and brewing industries while utilizing sustainable practices with less environmental impact.

Proactive Sustainable Practies

2006 U.S. Department of Energy Audit: A 2006 self-initiated U.S. Department of Energy Audit found Briess already employing a number of environmentally conscious practices, “This company has several outstanding management practices including:

• Computer controlled-automated process
• Waste heat used for space heating in winter
• Infra-red heaters in processors
• Many variable frequency controls
• Using well water
• Selling by-products"

Briess acted upon several audit recommendations and continues to identify ways to decrease energy consumption and CO2 emissions, and operate in an environmentally conscious manner.

Thermal imaging: In 2006 thermal imaging was employed to pinpoint areas of electrical and heat loss in all Briess production facilities. Modifications were made and are ongoing to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

Building for efficiency: The Irish Road Extract Plant, commissioned in 2002, was built energy efficient with fully automated processes and heat exchange systems. Additional capital investments and process changes have been made at all Briess facilities to expand capacity and capabilities while operating with less environmental impact.

Energy Consumption and CO2 Emission Reductions

20% Natural Gas Reduction in the Extract Plant: CO2 emissions were reduced the equivalent of 738,015 fewer miles being driven a year. That’s equivalent to 30 trips around the earth which was realized after operating changes were made including:

• Heat exchange systems recover hot water streams for reuse in cleaning and boiler systems
• Heat generated by drying operations is recovered and reused throughout the plant.

11% Natural Gas Reduction in the Chilton Malthouse: CO2 emissions were reduced the equivalent of 450,00 fewer miles being driven a year. That’s equivalent to 18 trips around the earth which was realized after operating changes were made:

• Air-to-air heat exchangers were installed on all kilns which decreased natural gas consumption by 25%
• New operating procedures reduced natural gas consumption to produce roasted malts by 20%

Electricity Reductions

• 8% reduction by motors after installing variable frequency devices
• Conversion from freon to ammonia refrigeration

Waste Streams

• 99% of all waste streams generated at Briess are recycled
• Used as cattle feed at nearby mega farms and fertilizer by local farming operations
• High strength waste helps generate a continuous 1.5 kwh of electricity at a local mega farm

Electricity Reductions

• Strict maintenance programs maintain equipment and vehicles at peak operating efficiencies
• A clean-in-place system reduces the amount of chemicals needed to clean/sanitize to food-grade requirements
• Ongoing employee education in the areas of GMP, HACCP and other programs

Packaging

Only recyclable packaging is used for all Briess products.

Transportation

• Both Briess malthouse locations maintain a railroad spur to receive and ship product
• A transloading station allows shipment of Briess malt in railcars to the East Coast

Recycling / Conservation

All office paper, toner cartridges, newspapers, cardboard, glass, select plastics and metals are recycled

• All faxes are received and handled electronically
• Briess is a 100% smoke-free environment
• Disposable cups and paper products used in lunchrooms and at hosted events are compostable

Return to Top