Powering the Future

At Yakima Chief Hops (YCH), our journey to a more sustainable future drives us to take meaningful action alongside partners who share our environmental values. One of our core efforts is the adoption of renewable electricity, a strategic component of our decarbonization journey. We recognize that renewable energy is one of the most powerful tools we have in fighting climate change, and we are dedicated to transitioning all of our facilities to 100% renewable electricity.

Why Renewable Energy Matters for YCH

Renewable energy comes from natural sources that are constantly replenished, such as the sun, wind, water, and heat from beneath the Earth's surface. Unlike fossil fuels, which generate pollution and are finite, renewable energy is a cleaner, more sustainable way to power our world. It takes advantage of the resources already around us to generate electricity without depleting the planet.

In 2021, we joined Pacific Power’s Blue Sky® program and started with sourcing 25% of our electricity from renewable energy. Today, we’re proud to report that nearly 80% of our energy is now powered by renewables. We are nearing our goal of 100% renewable electricity across all domestic operations by the end of 2025!

This isn't just a checkbox; it’s part of our broader target to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half at the facilities we own. In 2020, YCH emitted 6,020 metric tons (MT) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), a standardized measure that reflects the total impact of greenhouse gases converted into CO2 equivalents. This makes it easier for companies like ours, and many others working to reduce their environmental impact, to track, compare, and report emissions clearly and consistently. In 2024, we were able to close out the year with a total output of 3,973 MT CO2e. Adopting renewable energy is one of the key drivers behind this reduction, and we look forward to further progress.

In our latest Impact Report, we outlined a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from owned facilities by 50%. A major enabler of this transition is our long-term Blue Sky Agreement with Pacific Power. This program allows us to purchase Green-e® certified or equivalent Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), which ensure that each megawatt-hour of renewable energy we invest in is verified, tracked, and then retired, eliminating the risk of double-counting.

RECs are a practical and cost-effective way to reduce Scope 2 emissions, making Blue Sky an ideal tool for manufacturers looking to decarbonize responsibly. Every dollar spent signals to the market that we’re choosing a clean energy future.

What is Blue Sky?

Pacific Power’s Blue Sky program empowers customers to support renewable energy projects through the purchase of RECs sourced from wind, solar, and other clean resources across the Western United States. By offsetting electricity use with clean energy, participants actively reduce their carbon footprint, promoting a cleaner and greener future while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. In addition to individual participation, the program has also opened opportunities for local organizations to adopt renewable energy strategies. These efforts help reduce environmental impact while strengthening each organization’s capacity to serve their communities more sustainably and effectively.

“Agriculture often flies under the radar in sustainability conversations, but it holds tremendous potential,” says Pacific Power Senior Program Manager Jessica Dalton on working with YCH. “Through this partnership, we are able to demonstrate that aligning energy and agriculture can drive meaningful change.”

Dalton notes that with the program’s accessible entry point, businesses can immediately offset their carbon footprint while simultaneously supporting the development of clean energy.

Investing in Our Communities, Not Just Credits

The power of the Blue Sky program goes beyond reducing emissions. Investing in the program supports the development of new renewable energy projects across our region, driving job creation, local economic benefits, and increased renewable energy availability. This is energy transition done right: equitable, locally driven, and future-focused.

Pacific Power shares our community commitment, offering programs that give back in meaningful ways. Since 2020, they’ve contributed over $13 million to local nonprofits through the Pacific Power Foundation, alongside additional impacts made through corporate giving, employee contributions, and employee volunteerism. YCH is proud to partner with an organization that not only shares our values but is equally committed to uplifting the same communities where we live and work.

“When we invite people to reflect on how they use energy, the response is overwhelmingly positive,” says Dalton. “What’s most inspiring is how small individual actions, when multiplied across thousands of participants, create a truly significant impact. It’s a testament to what we can achieve together when everyone contributes just a little.”

From Solar Panels to Supply Chain Integrity

While RECs programs are critical, we are also focused on generating renewable power of our own. Our distribution center in Belgium uses solar panels to offset nearly 50% of the building’s energy use.

At home in Yakima, YCH has installed solar arrays across six facilities. They span 70,000 square feet, hold 3,706 solar panels, and produce over 1.4 million kWh annually. This generates enough electricity to power 170 homes for a year, while offsetting 1,000 metric tons of CO2e. It's a local, tangible way of turning sunshine into sustainability.

“We don’t have it all figured out, but we’re not waiting for perfect conditions to take action,” says Levi Wyatt, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at YCH. “Renewable energy is a necessary step toward a more resilient and responsible business. We’re making intentional investments to reduce our footprint, support our communities, and help build a future that’s better for everyone. We’re pumped about the progress we’ve made so far, and we’re excited to keep pushing forward.”

How to Get Involved

Both residential and commercial customers can join the Blue Sky program through the Pacific Power website, Blue Sky Renewable Energy. Participation can be customized by selecting a percentage of monthly electricity usage or by purchasing 100 kW bundles, referred to as “Blocks,” which are added to the monthly bill.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Commitments

Transitioning to renewable energy isn’t without challenges. As federal and state incentives begin to wane, businesses are being asked to do more with less. As climate change impacts continue to accelerate, the urgency to decarbonize only grows. But at YCH, we view this not as a roadblock, but as a reason to push harder.

We remain committed to powering our operations with 100% renewable energy and reducing emissions across our supply chain. Our approach is one of pragmatism, partnership, and purpose. We are rooted in real action, not rhetoric.

The path forward will require ongoing collaboration between companies, utilities, and governments. But one thing is certain: renewable energy is not only the future, it’s the foundation of a thriving, sustainable brewing industry.

Yakima Chief Hops takes great pride in operating our business responsibly, emphasizing a focus on long-term success and the conviction that constructing value for both local communities and the planet is every bit as crucial as shareholder value. We work tirelessly to reduce our carbon footprint, lessen dependence on natural resources, and eliminate waste while empowering our communities along the way. We recognize that industry collaboration is the pivotal force for driving meaningful change and hope to inspire others to join us in creating a sustainable future.