Matthew Patel, founder of Aspen Vodka, blends 25 years of experience in emergency medicine and engineering with his passion for the Rockies, culminating in creating the world’s first LEEDv4 BD+C Platinum-certified distillery in 2024. Through his work, he has set the benchmark for other distilleries in carbon reduction, water conservation, and renewable energy use. For example, 105% of Aspen Vodka’s energy is supplied by a combination of on and off-site solar and battery storage, making the distillery a contributor to one of the U.S’s cleanest energy grids, generating more renewable energy than consumed. Now, Patel has his sights set on the Living Building Challenge award, as he and Aspen Vodka continue pioneering sustainable distilling practices that raise global industry standards.
