DISCUS Academy Launches Sustainability Certificate Program for Professionals in the Spirits Industry
WASHINGTON – The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) today announced a new DISCUS Academy curriculum, the Sustainability Certificate Program, designed to equip spirits industry professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to address sustainability challenges unique to the distilled spirits sector.
“Sustainability remains a top priority for DISCUS, and this certificate program will help professionals at all levels understand the importance of environmental sustainability and move our industry toward a greener future,” said DISCUS President and CEO Chris Swonger. “We are fortunate to have some of the industry’s top leaders sharing their wisdom and experiences as instructors for this special certificate program. As the spirits industry evolves, we will continue to offer the education and tools leaders need to further environmental stewardship within their companies.”
Through this initiative, participants will gain practical strategies, tools and insights to initiate positive transformations within their organizations, drive environmental responsibility, and elevate sustainability practices and performance across the industry.
The certificate program is comprised of 11 DISCUS Academy courses, each one hour in length and equaling one credit. All courses will be presented virtually for participants to take live initially or on-demand.
The certificate must be earned within 12-months of the first course taken and the program concludes with a cumulative exam to show competency in the subject matter. The first three courses are as follows with more to be announced:
Course 1: Intro to Distilling & Sustainability | May 23, 1 p.m. EST
Presenters: Elizabeth McCall and Chris Morris, Brown-Forman
Course 2: Measurement & Benchmarking | May 28, 1 p.m. EST
Presenter: Melanie Gourley, Westland Distillery
Course 3: Energy and Climate | June 18, 1 p.m. EST
Presenter: Danny Macri, EnergyStar
To register or learn more about the Sustainability Certificate Program, click here.
DISCUS Academy was launched in 2021 to provide best-in-class training and education for distilled spirits industry professionals. Available to DISCUS members and non-members alike, DISCUS Academy offers curriculum and industry-recognized certifications related to the business of distilling, rather than training on production or spirits knowledge—a first of its kind.
In partnership with Cornell University and University of Kentucky, DISCUS Academy also offers leadership development programs to provide professionals of varying leadership experience education tailored to their career stage.
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