White Lion Brewing Earns Environmental Credential from BetterBev

PR / Springfield, MA (March 2026) – Springfield brewery White Lion Brewing has been recognized as a “green beverage producer” by the BetterBev program. The distinction was awarded by the Energy Transition Institute at UMass Amherst, which serves as one of the administrators of the BetterBev recognition program through a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Pollution Prevention Program. White Lion joins a growing number of beverage producers in Massachusetts and beyond that have earned recognition for their environmentally conscious business practices. While brewing is resource-intensive by nature, there are many opportunities for most businesses to reduce their environmental impact while also improving their bottom line.

Among White Lion’s environmental attributes is sourcing local malt and grain from nearby Thrall Family Farm in Windsor, Connecticut. Buying local decreases scope 3 supply chain greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. When the initial brewing process is complete, the spent malt/grain is diverted from landfill and instead goes to a local Massachusetts farm that uses it to supplement its animal feed. Additionally, White Lion’s products are sold primarily in Western Massachusetts, meaning its distribution emissions are significantly less than those of beer brands produced elsewhere.

Other sustainability measures include the use of programmable thermostats to heat the taproom, as well as LED lighting and pipe insulation throughout the facility, all of which decrease energy use. Thoughtful operating procedures when choosing and using cleaning and sanitizing chemicals also lessen the strength of White Lion’s wastewater and decrease its impact on the region’s wastewater treatment facility.

The BetterBev program was launched to help beverage producers understand their environmental impact, increase efficiency, improve health and safety, conserve natural resources, and improve their businesses. Recognition is earned after a beverage producer’s local BetterBev administrator works with them to assess their environmental practices and impact. The process covers a range of criteria including water and energy use, waste, and even environmental culture. Learn more at betterbev.org.

About White Lion Brewing

The city of Springfield is a gateway city, centrally located in an ethnic, economic, and cultural region that we are proud to call home. The third largest city in Massachusetts and the fourth largest in New England, Springfield did not have its own hometown beer to rally around until White Lion Brewing was created to fill that void. Our symbolism channels the diverse region it is part of, and the good in all mankind; an extension beyond race, color, creed, or gender. White Lion is a sharing of common experiences.