Greenhouse gas accounting for the energy transition in a brewery

The production of beer is an energy-intensive process, and due to the progressive global increase in its consumption, this has raised environmental concerns especially regarding energy-related impacts. The study presented herein applied the life cycle assessment methodology to quantify the greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional supply of electricity (electric grid) and heat (liquefied petroleum gas) to a craft microbrewery. It was then considered that electricity could be provided by solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, and heat by solar collectors, and these values were compared with traditional energy supply. Solar PV electricity resulted in 66% less emissions per kWh(e) consumed, and solar collectors yielded 95% less emissions per kWh(th). It was verified that there is potential for climate change mitigation associated with energy transition in breweries, considering electricity and thermal energy.