Sustainability Session
Gene R Bocis Jr., Anheuser-Busch, Inc, St. Louis, MO, USA
ABSTRACT: While “being green” may be a trend these days,
Anheuser-Busch and its brands have a long history of environmental
stewardship. It all started with Adolphus Busch, our founder, in the
late 1800s when he started recycling spent grains as cattle feed.
Adolphus constantly looked for ways to become more efficient, which
translates into lower environmental impacts. Anheuser-Busch is the
largest user of bio-energy recovery systems that convert wastewater from
the brewing process into a renewable fuel. This system provides up to
15% of the fuel needs for the 10 breweries where it is installed. That’s
enough renewable fuel to heat more than 25,000 homes. We focus first on
using materials wisely to prevent the creation of waste. For example,
we have reduced aluminum can weights by about 40% since the early 1970s.
When we do create excess materials, our breweries recycle more than 99%
of what is generated, nearly 3.5 billion pounds of materials a year.
We’ve been recognized for our recycling and waste prevention leadership
numerous times, including by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
WasteWise Program as a Hall of Fame performer—something we’re very proud
of. Anheuser-Busch is the world’s largest operator of bio-energy
recovery systems, which convert excess nutrients from the brewing
process into a renewable fuel. The company is also evaluating a variety
of renewable energy technologies, including solar wind biomass, which
involves the use of wood wastes as a fuel source and landfill gas—a
Houston brewery is using the gas from natural decomposition of waste
from a nearby landfill as a renewable fuel source. Between bio-energy
recovery and landfill gas, the Houston brewery obtains more than 70% of
its fuel needs from alternative sources. A better world is a place where
adults enjoy our beers responsibly. We protect and preserve the
environment by striving to brew and package our products efficiently,
while also supporting local efforts through marketing and partnerships.
We actively make a difference in the communities where we live and work.
To summarize, we have a long and rich history of environmental
stewardship and take great pride in our efforts. Our policies, programs,
and performance targets are designed to promote responsible resource
use and to reduce our environmental footprint.
Gene Bocis has
spent more than 20 years with Anheuser-Busch after receiving his B.S.
degree in electrical engineering technology from Northeastern University
in 1992. He also received his master of science degree in management
from Stevens Institute of Technology while working at the Newark Brewery
early in his career. He has experience in packaging, brewing,
maintenance, engineering, and utilities within Anheuser-Busch. His
tenure also includes a three-year assignment on International Brewing
Operations in China and India. He currently serves as the director of
North American Zone Utilities Support for Anheuser-Busch and is
responsible for breweries, can, bottle, malt, and rice plant utility
operations in the United States and Canada.
VIEW PRESENTATION 220
