First-of-its-Kind Research Collaboration between Trent University and Karbon Brewing Co. Leading Carbon-Zero Innovations
Unique University-Brewery collaboration to offer experiential learning opportunities for Trent students and holds promise for future Cleantech Commons tenancy
A first-of-its-kind research collaboration in North America will see Trent University and Karbon Brewing Co. come together to research and develop green brewing technologies for a carbon-negative future, while also collaborating on curriculum development and offering students hands-on, experiential learning opportunities.
“This unique research collaboration between a university and a brewery will see Trent and Karbon Brewing Co. driving discovery and innovation for brewing sciences,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, vice president of Research & Innovation at Trent. “Brewing chemistry, water conservation, experiential learning, and curriculum development are all on the Trent-Karbon horizon. From the lab to the marketplace, we see a range of interdisciplinary collaborative opportunities with Karbon. Their approach to green and clean research and development is an excellent match with the expertise and spirit of Trent University.”
With a mission to brew better beer for a better world, Karbon Brewing Co. is set to become Canada’s first carbon-negative brewery by 2024. While the concept of carbon neutrality is still fairly new to the brewing industry (normally, the processes of producing beer requires large amounts of natural resources and generates significant waste through packaging and consumption), the Karbon team hopes to change that through their original and environmentally sound approaches, and the partnership with Trent.
“By collaborating with Trent University, we plan to lead the green revolution in brewing,” said Stephen Tyson, co-founder of Karbon Brewing Co. “Our goal is simple – we want to produce great beer with as little impact on the environment as possible. And we want to spur conversations around climate change. In Trent, we have found a like-minded partner that is passionate about developing innovative solutions to climate change.”
Through the milestone agreement, signed today at the University, Karbon Brewing Co. will be working closely with some of Trent’s leading researchers in fields such as regenerative agriculture, biology, water quality, chemistry, and biomaterials. Hands-on learning and research opportunities for students is also central to the agreement. Trent students will benefit from internship and placement opportunities through the agreement. Trent and Karbon Brewing Co. will also explore the development of new courses and certificate programs.
Advancing collaboration as a future Cleantech Commons tenant
Karbon Brewing Co. is also looking to deepen its ties with the University through Cleantech Commons, a partnership between Trent and the City of Peterborough set to become Canada’s premier green technology research and development site.
The company is exploring tenancy at the research park, which will strengthen their connection with Trent researchers and on-campus facilities, such as the Water Quality Centre, Trent Experimental Farm, and other world-class laboratories. Karbon’s vision is to build a 30,000-square-foot research facility at Cleantech Commons that will also feature a brewery and brewpub. The facility will follow the latest in environmental architecture and will follow passive house design principles, which will allow for energy efficiency and a reduced environmental footprint.
“The research partnership between Karbon Brewing and Trent University is a fantastic example of the Cleantech Commons vision to serve as a point of convergence between Trent University and a cluster of green technology innovators to accelerate the development, testing, piloting and scaling of a range of clean technology advancements,” says Martin Yuill, executive director of Cleantech Commons. “The new knowledge that will be generated and shared through this partnership will be invaluable to various clean technology sectors.”
Karbon Brewing Co. is already a member of the Cleantech Commons Cleantech Innovation Portal, an online network that connects cleantech innovators with commercial developers, city and municipal authorities, infrastructure and other investors and program funders to create opportunities for growth, scaling, funding, and commercial success.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized for its leadership in environmental research and innovation, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
About Karbon Brewing Co.
The Karbon story started with a simple idea: create great-tasting beverages and help our planet. Founded amidst a global pandemic, the founders combined their passion for hospitality and beer with their desire to build a better future. Since then, Karbon Brewing Co. has grown into what it is today: a brewery that puts sustainability first in everything they do with the goal of being Canada’s first carbon-negative brewery by 2024. They focus on harnessing green technology through the brewing process and cleaning up their supply chain, using only high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to make their exceptional beverages. Their products are available in select stores, bars, and restaurants throughout Ontario.
About Cleantech Commons
Set to become Canada’s premier green technology research and innovation site, Cleantech Commons will bring together Trent’s world-class researchers and laboratory facilities with entrepreneurs, business, and government partners to accelerate clean, green, low carbon & sustainable technology solutions to address global energy, environmental and climate challenges. Cleantech Commons will serve as a point of convergence between Trent University and a cluster of emerging and existing businesses, accelerating the development, testing, piloting, and scaling of a range of clean technology advancements.
Celia Grimbly, Communications & Media Relations Officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x x6180 or celiagrimbly@trentu.ca