독일 맥주의 거장, ROTHAUS
1. Brief History
1.1. Origins of Rothaus
The Rothaus brewery originated from the patrician family “Roth” in the region of Grafenhausen in the southern Black Forest.
1.2. Brewing Tradition
The brewery was founded in 1791 by monks from the St. Blasien monastery to enhance their economic status and create employment in the region.
1.3. Ownership Changes
Through secularization in 1806, the brewery came under the ownership of the Grand Duchy of Baden and later the state of Baden-Württemberg.
2. Sustainable Practices
2.1. Reduction of CO2 Emissions
Rothaus aims to be climate positive by 2030, implementing measures like sorting systems to reduce CO2 emissions by 50%.
2.2. Use of Reusable Bottles
The brewery utilizes reusable bottles that are filled up to 40 times before being recycled, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
2.3. Regional Green Electricity
Rothaus sources 100% of its electricity from regional green sources, leading to significant reductions in CO2 emissions.
3. Environmental Initiatives
3.1. Solar Thermal Energy
Rothaus uses solar thermal energy to reduce the use of fossil fuel energy sources, saving approximately 100,000 liters of heating oil per year.
3.2. Photovoltaic Panels
With over 9,000 square meters of photovoltaic panels installed, Rothaus generates its own electricity from the sunshine in the Black Forest.
3.3. Wind Turbines
To further contribute to renewable energy, Rothaus plans to purchase two wind turbines from a nearby wind energy park to further reduce its carbon footprint.
4. Water Conservation
4.1. Sewage Treatment
Rothaus has implemented an advanced sewage treatment system to ensure that the used water is brought to almost drinking water quality before being discharged back into the ecosystem. By adding an anaerobic stage in 2023, the brewery saves more than 100,000 liters of heating oil per year, resulting in a reduction of 270 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
4.2. Water Usage Reduction
The brewery has made significant strides in reducing water consumption over the years. In 1988, it took 10 liters of water from their own sources to produce one liter of beer. By 2022, they have reduced this ratio to 4.5 liters, showcasing a commitment to efficient water usage in their production processes.
4.3. In-house Wells
Rothaus extracts brewing water from seven in-house wells, providing a sustainable and reliable source of water for their operations. This practice aligns with their focus on water conservation and ensures that they have control over the quality and quantity of water used in their brewing processes.
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5. Management and Leadership
5.1. CEO History
Over the years, Rothaus has had a history of notable CEOs leading the brewery. From Thomas Schäuble, a former Minister of the Interior of Baden-Württemberg, to Gerhard Stratthaus, former Finance Minister of Baden-Württemberg, the brewery has seen leadership from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
5.2. Key Personnel
Christian Rasch took over as the CEO of Rothaus in 2013, becoming the first non-politician in decades to lead the State Brewery. This strategic decision demonstrates a shift towards selecting leadership based on qualifications and expertise, rather than political affiliations.
5.3. Corporate Governance
Rothaus operates as a stock corporation, with the state of Baden-Württemberg holding all shares of the company. This structure ensures transparency and accountability in decision-making processes, underlining their commitment to sound corporate governance practices.
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6. Community Engagement
6.1. Sponsorship Activities
Rothaus engages with the local community through various sponsorship activities, supporting local events, organizations, and initiatives. By investing back into the community, the brewery strengthens its ties with residents and contributes to the overall well-being of the region.
6.2. Local Impact
The brewery’s presence has a significant impact on the local economy, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the economic development of the region. Through its operations and community engagement efforts, Rothaus plays a vital role in supporting the local community.
6.3. Social Responsibility and Rothaus
Rothaus takes its social responsibility seriously, implementing sustainable practices, supporting local initiatives, and engaging with the community. By prioritizing environmental conservation, social impact, and sustainable business practices, the brewery demonstrates a commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen within its local environment.