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Lower Forge Brewery

Business Information
Name of Organization: 
Lower Forge Brewery
Organization Type: 
Breweries
Business Description: 
Lower Forge Brewery is a 3-barrel brewery located in historic downtown Medford, NJ. The Galie Family focuses on beers made with as many local ingredients as possible. The brewery is involved with local farmers who use the brewery’s spent grains. The brewery also supports non-profits in a variety of ways, including merchandise donations and the use of their facility for charitable events. The brewery offers tours and tastings Thursday through Sunday afternoon/evenings.
Contact Person: 
Pola Galie
Title: 
Brewer/Vice President
Business Location: 
Lower Forge Brewery
14 South Main Street
08055 Medford , NJ
United States
39° 53' 57.084" N, 74° 49' 24.672" W
See map: Google Maps
Phone: 
609-975-9532
Email: 
brewery@lowerforge.com
Number of Employees: 
6
Website: 
www.lowerforge.com
Renewal Date: 
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Management and Leadership
Identify Sustainability Leader
Description of Action: 
Pola Galie is responsible to oversee sustainable actions as well as to inform staff and provide information for same.
Annual Environmental Goals
Description of Action: 
Our goals for 2019-20 include a further reduction of water usage through a designed cold water CLT system that could potentially save an additional 100-200 gallons per week in production.
Provide Environmentally Preferable Products Services
Description of Action: 
We try to use as many local products and services as possible. We have a beekeeper on staff and use the honey the bees produce. We also try to work with local maltsters and farmers. As much as possible, we source ingredients from local farmers such as cranberries and blueberries from a local farmer.
Waste
Waste Reduction
Description of Action: 
During construction of the sampling room, we used as much recycled and salvaged wood in the construction. Re-purposed wood and doors were also used in the decor.
Lbs Saved: 
1,000
Money Saved: 
400
Waste Recycling
Description of Action: 
100% of brewery's spent grains are picked up by local farmers for animal feed and composting. We also separate and recycle everything we can: paper, glass, plastic, cardboard, etc.
Lbs Saved: 
10,400
Money Saved: 
1,500
Food Waste
Lbs Saved: 
31200
Money Saved: 
960
Description of Action: 
All of our spent grains are provided to local farmers for animal feed or composting. All wet hops are recovered from the tanks and placed in closed composting bins.
Hazardous Waste/Toxic Use Reduction
Description of Action: 
In the past year, we've phased in replacements for non-environmentally friendly cleaning and equipment CIP that replaces certain acidic blends used commonly by breweries with a citric acid based solution that reduces the water impact post-use.
Energy
Energy Efficiency
Description of Action: 
Lights and equipment are turned off when not in use. Heat and air conditioning are set on temperatures that are geared to conservation and thermostats are programmable so that when the sampling room is not open, they adjust to less usage. LED bulbs are used in all lighting fixtures.
Energy Other
Description of Action: 
We endeavor to be as energy efficient as possible, such as addressing heat/cool loss by installing door sweeps and other insulating materials.
Water
Water Conservation
Description of Action: 
Water used in cooling the wort is reclaimed and used in the brewing and cleaning process. We inspect the premises daily and look for any leaks and/or running toilets or sinks in order to repair them quickly. CIP balls are in place for all of our brewing equipment and we work with our cleaning company in developing methods and using chemicals that will be less resource intense as well as doing a good job of cleaning the equipment.
Gallons Saved: 
2,640
Emergency Preparedness
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Description of Action: 
2 employees are EMTs (1 additionally is a firefighter). Both are trained in handling specific emergencies and working as part of a team in responding to emergencies including CPR.
Community
Support Community Initiatives
Description of Action: 
The brewery is very involved in the community with non-profit organizations spanning the environment, schools, music schools, physically and educationally challenged as well as sports for all ages and all capabilities.
Adopt a Cause or Project in your Community
Description of Action: 
We support Open Trails NJ a 501(c)(3) dedicated to education and volunteerism working in partnership with NJ DEP and its Division of Parks and Forestry.
Sustainable Jersey
Description of Action: 
This year one of Lower Forge's principals has been elected to the Board of Directors of Sustainable South Jersey as well as become an active member of Medford's Green Team.
Shop Local
Description of Action: 
Over the past year Lower Forge has made a concerted effort to purchase as many ingredients and services locally as possible. Lower Forge has recently registered as a packer in the Jersey Fresh Program since purchasing grains and fruits from local registered farmers.
Finished Application: 
1
required_descriptions: 
8
Member Since: 
Wednesday, March 15, 2017

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