For immediate release June 5,2007
Contact Alex Amarotico, alex@standingstonebrewing.com, 541-494-8333

Sustainability on Tap: Standing Stone Brewing Company Garners
State of Oregon Sustainability Award

                                           
(Ashland, OR) Standing Stone Brewing Company was recognized for on of its house specials on June 1—sustainable business practices. The family-owned establishment was one of eight recipients of the State of Oregon Sustainability Award, selected from 75 businesses, nonprofits and government agencies. Gov. Kulongoski and Sec. of State Bradbury presented the awards. "As [the] award winners demonstrate, Oregon is pioneering efforts to create more sustainable business structures, attracting investment and economic opportunities to the state," Kulongoski said.

Standing Stone was granted a “Focus Award” for its broad and innovative steps towards net zero energy use. Co-owner Alex Amarotico says the ceremony left him feeling “very proud, and with a new desire to live up to greater expectations.” 

Striving for net zero energy is just one part of Standing Stone’s recipe for green business, a rich blend that goes beyond the basics. They provide used vegetable oil to local biodiesel producers, use 100% recycled office paper, compost food waste, use organic grains for beer, offer spent grain to a local farmer and seek regional food producers.

Amarotico began focusing on energy conservation in 2001, working with City of Ashland Conservation staff to identify high impact conservation measures. The Amaroticos are grateful to have received Oregon’s Business Energy Tax Credits and Ashland Conservation rebates to offset costs for an automated energy management system and variable speed kitchen hood fans.

The Oregon Dept. of Energy called Standing Stone a leader in energy conservation for these efforts. Driven to do more, the Amaroticos commissioned a comprehensive energy audit focused on zeroing out net energy use via conservation and on-site generation. “The challenge of operating more efficiently and sustainably drives us,” says Amarotico. “We want to show that innovation can be practical and have a positive impact.” 

This spring, engineers began work on the first two and highest impact measures: recovering waste heat from refrigeration for use in water heating and retrofitting boiler piping and controls to eliminate stand-by operations. Together, these will cut natural gas use by 40%. Engineers are continuing with steps that will reduce energy demand by 60%. Standing Stone plans to cover remaining energy needs through on-site generation, beginning with rooftop photovoltaic panels. 

Meanwhile, Standing Stone’s Environmental Sustainability Coordinator, Risa  Buck,is hard at work in other areas—researching ecological cleaning supplies, compostable take out ware, more local food, reducing employee car use and more. She says, “\They’re doing impressive things on a large scale. Their willingness to innovate and use the most efficient resources possible are a model for other businesses.”

The Amaroticos are setting their sights on more improvements and hope their recognition inspires others. “The more we learn, the more good we can do. Resources and recognition are out there to take advantage of but they don't happen by themselves,” says Amarotico.”

More information can be found at www.standingstonebrewing.com. The Governor’s Press Release on the Awards is on-line at governor.oregon.gov/Gov/P2007/press_060107.shtml. ##

Additional contacts for interviews/background

Standing Stone Brewing Co
Danielle Amarotico, danielle@standingstonebrewing.com, 541-494-8334
Diane Amarotico, diane@standingstonebrewing.com, 541-482-7155
Risa Buck, risa@standingstonebrewing.com, 541-494-8333

Solarc Architecture and Engineering, Inc.
Michael Hatten, 541-349-0966

City of Ashland Conservation/Green Business Program
Dick Wandersheid, Electric Director, dick@ashland.or.us, 541-552-2061
Larry Giardina, Conservation Analyst, giardin@ashland.or.us, 541-552-2065

Governor’s Office/Oregon Sustainability Awards
Bill Bradbury, 503-986-1523
Glenn Montgomery, Glenn.Montgomery@state.or.us, 503-229-5223,
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169

About Standing Stone Brewing Co (SSBC)
Founded in 1996 and family owned, Standing Stone Brewing Co. is Ashland's only full service brewpub. They offer freshly brewed handcrafted ales, lagers, seasonal and specialty brews. All ales are made at on site in ten-barrel batches using organic malts. The restaurant has a centrally located display kitchen featuring delectable appetizers, full course dinners, house-made wood fired pizzas and more. The restaurant supports numerous community events through the year.

Partial List of Environmental Practices

All pre-consumer vegetable food waste is composted through Ashland Sanitary & Recycling’s, putting about 3,300 gallons of vegetable waste to good use annually..

Provides approximately 50 gallons of used vegetable oil to local biodiesel producer each month.

In October 2006, SSBC installed a high-temperature dishwasher to reduce the amount of water and chemicals needed for rinsing and sanitation.

An adjustable, louvered awning above the restaurant’s back deck reduces air-conditioning use during Ashland’s warm summers.

Installed an innovative energy management system in 2003 to coordinate operation and increase the efficiency of heating, cooling and lighting systems.

In 2002, SSBC installed an energy-saving variable-speed hood control system in the kitchen, reducing natural gas and electricity use by 22%.

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