New Belgium Brewing, a Certified B-Corp, continues its commitment to environmental sustainability, as shared by Sustainability specialist Sarah Fraser and Community and Communications Ambassador Michael Craft on this episode of the podcast.
Sarah Fraser is the sustainability specialist at 100% employee-owned New Belgium Brewing in Asheville, NC. Sarah is part of a sustainability team that supports the company’s environmental stewardship programs and engages Asheville coworkers in making progress toward the company’s ambitious energy, water, emissions and waste reduction goals.
Michael Craft has been an employee owner at New Belgium Brewing Company for more than 17 years. He has had the unique experience of working in most of the departments at New Belgium and is currently Asheville’s ‘Community and Communications Ambassador’. In addition to pontificating about the wonderful world of New Belgium, he does his best to celebrate man’s two greatest inventions: bicycles and beer!
3 Key Points
- Being purposeful in all things is crucial to maximizing impact.
- The simplest positive act can have massive impact.
- It’s not sustainable unless it’s fun.
Quote
“You get to know [your teammates] better when you spend time learning about them and you’re mutually invested in the success of the common purpose.”
What We Talked About
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- 01:45 – Tell us about the sustainability goals of New Belgium Brewing
- 04:38 – How do employee focus and sustainability work together?
- 06:50 – What attracted you to New Belgium?
- 10:26 – What opportunities arose during New Belgium’s expansion?
- 13:03 – On workplace connection and family spirit
- 17:08 – Why did New Belgium choose the brownfield site in Asheville?
- 20:14 – How did New Belgium rejuvenate the site?
- 24:30 – Cooperation between the company and the city
- 28:26 – How has the bike program benefitted New Belgium and its employees?
- 31:00 – On the Posse: an elected group of employees who guide company policy
- 39:03 – Where do you see more sustainability opportunities for the company?
Actionable Tips
- Keep your values at the forefront of your work.
- Foster community partnerships.
- Leave your space better than you entered it.
Resources Mentioned
- Visit New Belgium’s website and at the Asheville location.
Resources for Your Business
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Ursula Jorch, Host of The Impact Interviews
Ursula Jorch is a business coach, speaker, and podcaster who shows women leaders how to turn their businesses into profitable agents for lasting change, global impact, and a force for good in the world.