Background
Steam Whistle is an independent brewery located in Toronto near the CN Tower. Steam Whistle’s all-natural Pilsner beer is available in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
Steam Whistle believes that what is good for the environment is good for the economy. The company recognized that it could achieve cost savings and gain a competitive edge by reducing the impact of its operations on the environment.
Taking action
In 2008, Steam Whistle invested $800,000 in a new, more efficient brewhouse at its historic Roundhouse location. Steam produced during the brewing process is collected and condensed. The heat is recaptured to supply hot water for brewing, bottling, canning, kegging and cleaning.
Achieving results
- Water conservation: Steam Whistle uses 4,500,000 fewer litres of water a year.
- Reduced sewage and wastewater production: less waste water is sent into the sewer system.
- Annual savings on energy use and costs: reducing electricity use by 22 per cent realized $31,000 in annual savings.
- Reducing energy use reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
The company is also promoting the transfer of knowledge by providing information on its website, publishing a monthly newsletter and participating in local environmentally-focused initiatives.
It is engaging the community through Toronto’s Greening Greater Toronto, which aims to see the GTA as the largest greenbelt in North America.
Steam Whistle also offers tours to more than 100,000 visitors a year, educates students on site and provides financial support to a variety of environmental organizations.
