Firestone Walker launches new CO2 recovery system
New system expected to save four million pounds of CO2 annually
– Firestone Walker Brewing Company has unveiled a new carbon dioxide recovery system designed to save four million pounds of emissions annually. The system is part of the brewery’s ongoing “Brewing for Tomorrow” sustainability initiative, which focuses on renewable energy, water conservation, recycling, and energy efficiency.
“We are always looking for new ways to brew great beer while taking care of the world around us,” said Nick Firestone. “The new CO2 recovery system is the next step in that journey, and it’s another way for us to cut emissions, conserve our resources, and make a difference for our environment and community.”
The system allows the brewery to recycle carbon dioxide, a natural byproduct of beer fermentation. During fermentation, every gram of sugar consumed by yeast produces a half gram of carbon dioxide gas that is typically released into the atmosphere. The new system captures and purifies most of this gas for reuse in brewery operations, such as purging air from tanks, carbonating beer, and maintaining packaging lines.
The system redirects four million pounds of carbon dioxide annually that would otherwise be released. Firestone Walker constructed a $1 million building to house the $1.8 million recovery system, which was built by Pentair, an international beverage production technology company.
Firestone Walker’s broader “Brewing for Tomorrow” initiative aims to minimize the brewery’s carbon footprint and conserve resources through a combination of advanced technologies and long-term practices. The brewery’s on-site solar arrays offset 60 percent of its energy needs, with an additional five acres of solar panels scheduled for installation in 2026.
The company treats 40 million gallons of processing water each year and returns it to the local aquifer. A vapor condenser recovery system saves as much energy daily as an average household consumes in a year. Twenty million pounds of spent brewing grains are also recovered and used as livestock feed.
“Sustainability is built into how we run the brewery,” said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “Every little thing adds up. Carbon neutrality is a big target, but we’re making progress one system at a time.”
Firestone Walker has set a goal of achieving 50 percent carbon neutrality by 2030 and full carbon neutrality by 2050.
Founded in 1996 by Adam Firestone and David Walker, the brewery is based on California’s Central Coast and produces beers including 805, Mind Haze, Cali Squeeze, DBA, Union Jack, and Pivo Pils. Firestone Walker also operates the Barrelworks facility in Santa Barbara County and the Propagator brewhouse in Venice.
