As one of the largest breweries in the Granite State, Tuckerman Brewing understands the responsibility it shares in contributing to the regional economy. The Conway-based company is also demonstrating the importance it places on the people and resources that are essential for its operations.
“Sustainability is more than just a responsible choice,” says Tuckerman founder and co-owner Kirsten Neves. “It fuels business growth, preserves the environment, and nurtures a community built on shared values.”
Founded in 1998, Tuckerman produces about 8,500 barrels of beer a year and employs more than 30 workers. Compared to the major brewers in the U.S. that make upwards of 30,000 barrels each day, Tuckerman is a minor player. And yet the company recognizes that it uses significant amounts of water, agricultural inputs and other materials.
To that end, Tuckerman is–in sustainability-speak–moving from the traditional “take, make, waste” business model to a “borrow, use, return” ethos. For instance, the company has identified a mutually beneficial way to address waste by sending spent grains a few miles up the road to Naughtaveel Farm for its dairy operations. On the surface it may sound almost quaint to think of cows happily munching on the residuals from the Rockpile IPA you recently enjoyed. However, when considering that thousands of pounds of post milled waste per week are being donated as feed, it becomes evident that this circularity not only reduces disposal liabilities, but helps Naughtaveel Farm put less stress on the larger agricultural system, saving time, money and energy.
Neves notes the company’s mission is rooted in celebration of the Mount Washington Valley: "We are fueled by a passion to make quality beer and the desire to live the White Mountain lifestyle to its fullest; taking advantage of, but never taking for granted, the spectacular area we call home."
Some sustainable investments can incur significant expense, yet pay dividends in the long-term, both from a financial and environmental perspective. For example, Tuckerman buried a rainwater retention system–think giant rain barrels–under the outdoor beer garden. By installing 5,000 gallons of holding capacity, the brewery eliminates runoff and reallocates that water for growing hops and landscaping. Moreover, the company is gearing up for a major solar system on its rooftops that will dramatically decrease its energy bills and carbon profile.
Recent renovations to the taproom and main entrance include repurposed barn boards and exterior siding made from recycled rice-hulls. Adjacent to this, the outdoor pouring station is a refurbished shipping container that was likely headed to the junkyard.
Tuckerman is also aware of its supply chain inputs. It sources many of its pizza toppings from local farm Davis Natural Produce and its malt from a company that does not use fossil fuels in its agricultural processes.
Moving forward, Tuckerman is investigating a number of other sustainable initiatives, including the elimination of plastic cups and capturing CO2 from its brewing process.
It's been said that integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking. Well, the world is now taking a much keener interest in the environmental and social aspects of businesses, and Tuckerman Brewing is quietly implementing solutions that lead to better outcomes for people, profits and the planet.
GO Sustainable Tip of the Month
Ask your employees about what they perceive to be your organization’s strengths and weaknesses related to sustainability. Conversely, if you are an employee, initiate a similar conversation with your leadership team. The tendency may be to focus solely on the areas for improvement. However, your identified successes can be a springboard for new initiatives, so consider doubling down on what you are doing well as this can be infectious to your stakeholders, particularly employees and customers.
Andrew Schuyler splits his time between Conway, NH and Melrose, MA. He serves on the Board of the White Mountains Interpretive Association and has a background in journalism, clean tech, government affairs and parenting. When he’s not hiking or skiing, he can be found swimming in the Saco River, often in pursuit of his canoe. Reach him at andrewschuyler@hotmail.com.
