Today, labels are ubiquitous in our daily lives. Almost all companies have obtained certificates guaranteeing their respect for the environment, their commitment to quality management, or their desire to promote a positive image beyond their borders. Terms such as ISO9001 (quality management) and ISO14001 (environmental management) have now entered common parlance.
But what lies behind these labels?
A marketing ploy? Additional paperwork or a genuine effort required from the company?
Environmental protection is at the heart of our existence. At home, it is easy to implement a waste recycling system; in a company, it proves more complicated. The task is even more arduous when it comes to a wine-growing company, which is highly dependent on climate and environment.
The banning of herbicides in the vineyards was one of the first measures applied decades ago by our company to protect the soil. Water consumption in the vineyard is better managed through the use of a drip system.
However, the recognition of a true environmental project involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions in all sectors of the company; through energy expenditure (gas, fuel oil, electricity, water), building insulation and heating, fuel used for sales force travel, but also through the use of paper, envelopes, flyers—everything related to the administration of such a company.
Obtaining these labels is not achieved effortlessly. Action is required! Audits are organised annually. Every sector is scrutinised, and the entire company is thoroughly examined. Following these visits, a report is compiled. Areas for improvement are identified and must be addressed for the following year. The company commits to regularly reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. A significant example of our environmental action:
- The commissioning in 2013 of a significant photovoltaic installation with 5,778 solar panels that produce over 1,500,000 kWh/year (= the consumption of 430 households). This is sufficient to power us, as our consumption amounts to approximately 1,300,000 kWh/year.
Therefore, it is not merely an additional badge that the company can proudly affix to its letterhead, but a genuine, painstaking effort undertaken throughout the year by all stakeholders within the company.
