Client

Herència Altés is a family winery located in Terra Alta (Catalonia, Spain) dedicated to vine cultivation and the production of organic wines. Sustainability is one of the main pillars of the company, aiming to achieve healthier soils and maintain agriculture. That is why they work towards reducing their carbon footprint, both at the winery and in the field, before and after wine production, locally and globally.

The challenge

Achieve membership to the International Wineries for Climate Association (IWCA), a collaborative working group of wineries committed to the environment and to reducing carbon emissions in the wine industry.

What was made?

The company’s carbon footprint was calculated according to ISO 14064:2018. The main emission sources of the company were identified, and measures were established to reduce them. Support was provided to the company in calculating the potential reduction of the defined measures, as well as in the process of joining and reporting to the IWCA.

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Results

  • We calculated their carbon footprint, this enabling Herència Altes become a member of the IWCA and become the starting point for a plan to reduce the company’s greenhouse gas emissions.

 

  • A plan to reduce the company’s greenhouse gas emissions was made. This plan included:
  • 1) Selecting suppliers aligned with the United Nations’ “Race to Zero” initiative, which aims to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030. This is a key action considering that the calculation of the carbon footprint revealed that 91% of the carbon footprint is caused by indirect emissions, with logistics being the main source.
  • 2) Expanding the surface area of solar panels.
  • 3) Installing new lithium batteries to store solar energy and avoid diesel consumption.

  • 4) Installing a treatment system for cellar washing water.
  • 5) Reducing the weight of bottles by 30%, which implies reducing the impact of raw material acquisition, manufacturing, emissions, as well as transportation and waste management.
  • 6) Replacing the vehicle fleet to electric vehicles and installing electric chargers for employees, visitors, and drivers. The chargers are powered 100% by excess solar energy.

Conclusions

Calculating Herència Altés’ carbon footprint enabled the winery becoming a member of the IWCA, such achievement resulting in the definition of a very clear roadmap known as the “Race to Zero.” This commitment entails calculating emissions every two years and the commitment to reduce them annually. With this, the company aims to position itself as a benchmark on the path towards sustainability in the wine industry and believes that the market will increasingly seek products and producers targeted towards Net Zero ―that is to say, cutting greenhouse gas emissions to zero. This will provide Herència Altés with a competitive advantage. Also, the implemented investments and actions help them reduce expenses too.

More information on this project can be found in this piece of news and in the latest carbon footprint calculation; also, in an interview with Inèdit.

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