According to a USA TODAY/Rock the Vote online poll conducted this past January, nearly 80 percent of millennials would like to see the United States move over to mostly clean and renewable energy by 2030. Some examples of clean energy include: solar, geothermal, wind, and hydro. In addition to being clean, these energy forms are also naturally occurring.
Of these clean energies, there is one that provides 10,000 times the world’s energy needs – on a daily basis. Let that sink in a minute. And, just in case that isn't enough to make you pause, let's sweeten the pot by establishing that it is also free, will be available for at least the next 5 billion (that's billion, with a "b") years, and doesn’t produce the harmful greenhouse gasses that are helping to drive climate change. This source? Solar energy. And the decades' old debates that have swirled around it are in the process of meeting their end.
Of the numerous pros and cons that have been discussed regarding the feasibility of solar energy, the cost of development and implementation has historically ruled the arguments against efficient utilization of this energy source. Then came along a local, Maine company. A company that – in true David versus Goliath form – has summarily turned that argument onto its head; proving that, with a little creative thinking, determination, and commitment, not only can clean, renewable energy be efficient, it can fuel production and drive sales into the stratosphere.
“We told ourselves if we couldn’t do things right, then we wouldn’t do them at all.” – David & Daniel Kleban, Maine Beer Company, Freeport, Maine.
In June of 2015, Maine Beer Company had a bold plan: realize 100 percent production of its own power. And so began the final, inspirational transformation of the old Dutch Lighthouse Motel site – now home to the Kleban brothers’ visionary brewery – at 525 US Route 1 in Freeport, Maine. Over that summer, solar panels were installed on the roof, and American-made AllEarth Solar Trackers were installed on-site to maximize the amount of solar energy collected. The result: approximately 50 percent of Maine Beer’s energy is now derived from solar power and 100 percent of their energy usage is offset. They accomplish this in a few ways: utilization of solar panels, delivering spent grains and organic liquids to local farmers to use as compost, feed, and fertilizer; and reduced reliance on fossil fuels through radiant flooring for heat, LED bulbs for light, and the purchase of e-certified wind credits.
If you build it, they will come.
This business model has helped Maine Beer Company to capture a larger, more loyal market than ever before. Millennials crave craft beers. Millennials want to see the US make the move to clean energy. When the two are put together, you have one insanely bold recipe for “hoppiness” and success.
Science has come a long way in making the increased longevity, and eco-friendly construction, of solar panels a reality, which has aided in the fight against arguments disparaging this strategic and (virtually) inexhaustible resource. The other, loudest proponent in solar’s corner is amplified by Maine Beer Company’s business model. A model which, when paired with a truly great product, is proving that the cost associated with implementing clean energy can be turned into an asset that increases sales and profitability.
The Kleban brothers’ “Do What’s Right” philosophy is far broader than simply making great beer or making money, and goes much further than increasing the bottom line. This philosophy has also embraced their local community and the environment as a whole – something the rest of corporate America needs to get behind, support, and implement. After all, it just makes good business sense. Because, really, when you stop to consider the growing number of climate related issues facing our society, tomorrow’s cost of not utilizing clean, renewable energy forms will be much larger than any financial costs felt today.
If you ever find yourself in Freeport, Maine, be sure to stop by their brewery for some "Lunch" or "Dinner" (the beers, not the meals) - you will not be disappointed!
Meanwhile, visit the Maine Beer Company on their Facebook page, or follow them on Twitter: @mainebeerco and show your support and admiration for the example they’re setting!
