UMass Boston

UMass Boston Receives $350K to Assist Craft Beverage Manufacturers with Sustainability Efforts


11/14/2024| Office of Communications

UMass Boston will receive $350,000 to assist craft beverage manufacturers in reducing their environmental footprint, with a focus on supporting those in communities facing environmental justice challenges.

(From left) Rob Vandenabeele of EcoFriendlyBeerDrinker, Professor Vesela Veleva, and grad assistant Kevin Bleau at Four Star Farms in Northfield, MA.
(From left) Rob Vandenabeele of EcoFriendlyBeerDrinker, Professor Vesela Veleva, and grad assistant Kevin Bleau at Four Star Farms in Northfield, MA.

The project, directed by Dr. Vesela Veleva of the College of Management, will specifically aid manufacturers in cutting down on toxic cleaners, minimizing energy and water usage, and reducing single-use packaging. UMass Boston business students will also receive training in utilizing sustainability benchmarking tools, providing hands-on experience in identifying pollution reduction opportunities and contributing to both environmental and economic gains.

The grant is part of a collective $1.5 million awarded to UMass campuses at Amherst, Boston, and Lowell by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These grants will support the development of pollution prevention practices (P2) to benefit local businesses and communities.

"We're thrilled to receive this grant to help local craft beverage makers reduce their environmental footprint," said Dr. Venky Venkatachalam, dean and distinguished professor in the College of Management. "This project supports sustainable practices and offers invaluable experiential learning opportunities for our students, preparing them to lead future businesses toward sustainability. I commend Dr. Veleva’s expertise and commitment to environmental and economic growth."

This significant award underscores the UMass Boston College of Management’s commitment to sustainability and prepares future leaders to contribute to a more sustainable, resilient economy. For further details on the EPA’s Pollution Prevention Grant Program, please visit EPA's Pollution Prevention website.

ABOUT UMASS BOSTON COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT           

As Boston's only public accredited business school, the College of Management is dedicated to educating the region’s next generation of business and community leaders. Recognized for its first-rate faculty and diverse, high-achieving student body, the College offers exceptional learning experiences in collaboration with local businesses. For more information, visit busines.umb.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn.