The Need
Erie Ale Works is a craft brewery in Erie, PA. They were planning to remodel the facility and wanted to increase production as well as incorporate energy efficiency into the renovation.
The PennTAP Connection
Erie Ale Works learned about PennTAP through a presentation at a Lake Erie Ale Trail Members meeting. Jeff McCullor approached an advisor after the meeting with interest in using a Small Business Advantage Grant (SBAG) to help offset expenses of energy efficiency upgrades.
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)’s SBAG program provides 50% matching grants, up to a maximum of $7,000 to enable Pennsylvania small businesses to purchase energy efficient or pollution prevention equipment, or adopt waste reduction processes.
The Project
PennTAP completed an energy assessment at Erie Ale Works in March 2018, evaluating the existing lighting and HVAC system. A PennTAP advisor recommended replacing the existing lighting with LED bulbs and upgrading the HVAC system with newer, more energy efficient models. Another advisor assisted Erie Ale Works with the SBAG application that offset the cost of the lighting upgrades.
The audit allowed Erie Ale Works co-owner Jeff McCullor to incorporate energy efficiency upgrades into the overall renovation. During the remodel, a mix of T8 and T12 fluorescent bulbs, string lights, and incandescent bulbs was replaced with LED bulbs. In addition, HVAC upgrades were completed that included replacing an outdated furnace, heat pump, and air conditioner.
Energy Savings
The lighting upgrade has saved Erie Ale Works 7,076 kWh per year of electricity, equivalent to $1,240 annually. The HVAC upgrades reduced their heating and cooling costs by 15%. PennTAP assisted Erie Ale Works with an SBAG application that offset the cost of the lighting upgrades by approximately $600. Erie Ale Works also reported that sales increased by $10,500 in 2019 as a result of the renovation and recommended energy efficiency upgrades. They also reported that four jobs were retained, and one new employee was hired.
About the Client
Erie Ale Works
416 West 12th Street
Erie PA 16501
Phone: (814) 314-9089
County: Erie
Industry: Beverage