Tool will enable distilleries to secure nationally recognized certification for production facilities

WASHINGTON – The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) is partnering with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on an ENERGY STAR® program to develop energy-saving tools and resources for distilleries. One key initiative is an Energy Performance Indicator (EPI) benchmarking tool, which will enable distilleries to secure ENERGY STAR certification for production facilities.

As the spirits industry upholds environmentally friendly practices and consumers demand higher sustainability standards, DISCUS’ partnership with ENERGY STAR will help the industry understand best practices related to efficient energy in distilling facilities and beyond. ENERGY STAR has developed tools for over a dozen other industries, which are used to help companies in those sectors benchmark performance and earn recognition.

In order for the EPI benchmarking tool to work as intended, DISCUS is issuing a survey and seeking responses from a variety of production facilities that operate in different conditions and climates across the country to help distillers understand how facilities compare to others of similar size and operation. The questionnaire was developed by ENERGY STAR and will be administered by Duke University. Survey responses are due by Saturday, August 24.

“The careful stewardship of the environment and natural resources is essential for the U.S. distilled spirits industry, due to the very nature of our agriculturally-based products,” said Chris Swonger, president and CEO of DISCUS. “We look forward to the launch of this EPI benchmarking tool for distilleries to secure nationally recognized certification for production facilities and overall cost-savings for their businesses.”

For more information about DISCUS and its members’ sustainability efforts, including the new benchmarking tool, visit: www.distilledspirits.org/sustainability/.

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About ENERY STAR®

ENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizations—including about 40% of the Fortune 500®—partner with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions that improve air quality and protect the climate. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses save more than 4 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity and achieve over 3.5 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions, equivalent to the annual emissions of more than 750 million cars. In 2018 alone, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped Americans avoid $35 billion in energy costs.

About Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States is the leading voice and advocate for distilled spirits in the U.S., advocating on legislative, regulatory and public affairs issues impacting the distilled spirits sector at the local, state, federal and international levels. DISCUS members are committed to responsibility and encourage adults who drink to do so in moderation.