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 have the ability to apply for ENERGY STAR certification of its U.S. and Canadian distilleries.

“We applaud the EPA and DISCUS member distillers who worked together to create this important new tool and for leading the way in helping other distilleries measure and reduce their energy usage,” Christine LoCascio, DISCUS Chief of Policy and Strategy, said in a news release. “The careful stewardship of the environment and our natural resources and energy conservation are key to ensuring a sustainable and successful spirits industry.”

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 it’s possible for their distillery to become more energy efficient and whether they are leaving any money on the table as a result of energy waste.”

U.S. and Canadian distilleries that score a 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 30^th to qualify for 2023 ENERGY STAR certification.   The Canadian distillery application will be available soon — for more information please consult the Canadian Energy Star for Industry website.

“Spirits Canada is a strong supporter of sustainability and welcomes this important development which will also apply to Canadian distillers,” said Jan Westcott, CEO of Spirits Canada.

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. For more information, see: ENERGY STAR plant certification. To learn more about how EPA and industry work together, see: Industrial Energy Management.

More background information about ENERGY STAR’s impacts can be found at www.energystar.gov/impacts.