Santa Cruz County’s First Solar-Powered and Green-Certified Brewery is still going strong

For the owners of Discretion Brewing, it was never just about the beer. Their organic ales and lagers may steal the limelight, but the true purpose of their business is to work together as a family while giving back to the community. Discretion’s Chief Beer Ambassador, Dustin Vereker, explains that when they first opened their doors in 2013, environmental stewardship was a top priority.

“When we first thought about starting Discretion Brewing, being good stewards of the world around us was one of the key tenets of our business plan,” says Vereker. “We have three generations that are growing up through this business and we want to leave this world better than we found it.”

This commitment to improving the world around them is present in Discretion’s welcoming, inclusive space, their delicious craft beer made with organic ingredients, and, of course, their investment in solar. Additional benefits also include a decrease in their water usage, an increase in the amount of waste diverted from the landfill and an increase in energy efficiency through the integration of solar and more efficient lighting fixtures.

 

Powered by the sun and exceptional service

Discretion’s 120 high-efficiency panels power 75 percent of the brewery’s total electricity needs. They’ve now almost tripled in size, but the 30K solar system still provides 50 percent of their energy needs, from their giant walk-in fridge and pump system to lighting, computers, and everything else needed to run a modern-day business.

Over the years, Vereker says, the above-and-beyond level of service they’ve come to expect from Allterra Solar has never fallen short.

“Allterra has always been very responsive, even post installation,” says Vereker. “They’re always willing to come out, even after-hours. They’ve been great from day one all the way through to today, four-and-a-half years later.