NHDES Pollution Prevention Program Recognizes Cathedral Ledge Distillery as the First Distillery in the State to Achieve BetterBev Status

Concord, NH - The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Pollution Prevention (P2) Program has recognized Cathedral Ledge Distillery in North Conway as the first distillery in New Hampshire to achieve national BetterBev status. The BetterBev program provides technical assistance and highlights those manufacturers who improve energy efficiency, conserve water, minimize waste, and reduce the volume and strength of wastewater. P2 staff review facilities’ conservation efforts and recognizes them as environmentally sustainable businesses and encourages other producers to implement environmentally conscious practices that protect both the environment and their bottom line. 

Christopher Burk, Cathedral Ledge Distillery co-owner, reports “Distilling is inherently energy-intensive…Everything we do is viewed through the lens of sustainability.” For example, when designing and building, Burk and his wife Tracy ensured the facility, all walls, windows, and roof, exceeded code for energy efficiency.  

High efficiency equipment and energy recovery systems are used wherever possible. The distillery uses NH’s outdoor temperatures to assist in cooking, heating, and cooling. Opening and closing specially built screens allow for natural air cycling. The facility’s spent grain radiates heat in the winter months warming the facility. Once used, that same grain supplements cow feed.  Water is used and reused reducing demand on area water systems. All of their glass bottles are 100% post-consumer recycled, and packaged without single use plastic.

Burk reports that plastics are not used in production and reducing packaging is an ongoing goal.  At offsite events and in the tasting room, Cathedral ledge uses only reusable tasting glasses. Child and dog friendly, Cathedral Ledge also offers complimentary EV charging.

Cathedral Ledge products are USDA certified organic and it sources grains regionally from New Hampshire, Maine, and New York. Burk reports all Cathedral Ledge’s ingredients can be traced back to the farms of origin. He reports that all products are GMO-free, and contain no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or cleaning products. Additionally, they do not use artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or sweeteners in their products, which are all certified gluten free.

To learn more about BetterBev or the NHDES P2 program please visit our website or email nhppp@des.nh.gov.