Rendering of the Acre Distilling solar energy structures
The idea was born over a glass of whiskey — Acre Distilling founder Tony Formby and then-bartender Kevin Warren were imagining an energy efficient distillery, sketching up preliminary plans for a parking lot outfitted with over 350 solar panels.
That conversation would eventually give rise to the Green Acre Initiative, whose goal is make Acre's downtown location Texas' first completely solar-powered distillery. The project is a partnership with Texas-based energy efficiency and solar company Circle L Solar, where Warren now serves as vice president.
Construction is currently underway and includes new parking lot structures, as well as a back patio. Acre also plans to replace all single-use plastic with their biodegradable equivalent and introduce a bottle recycling program with a discount for a future purchase. The distillery also intends to host environment-friendly community events in the future.
For the construction of the carports, Circle L Solar contracted with Haltom City-based USA Eagle Carports. The project also includes car charging stations from Fort Worth-based company Revitalize Charging Solutions.
Acre expects to complete the project in mid-July.
“Throughout my career, I’ve had the unique opportunity to work in several industries — tech, renewable energy, and the beverage industries. As we have experienced the impact of climate change over the past two decades, I felt that it was my responsibility to take my experience and do something that other businesses might follow,” Formby said in a statement.
