About
In 2007 the Oregon Environmental Council and the Oregon Wine Board joined together to lead an initiative for Oregon wineries and vineyards to assess and reduce their carbon footprint, with the ultimate goal of becoming carbon neutral. The initiative is a voluntary program led by a steering committee composed of representatives from the Oregon Environmental Council, Oregon Wine Board, Ecos Consulting, Sokol Blosser Winery, Soter Vineyards, Cooper Mountain Wines, and Lemelson Vineyards.
Globally, less than 15 wineries and vineyards have become carbon neutral. Oregon wineries and vineyards — many of which have already adopted sustainable agricultural practices into their operations — recognize that climate change will have a significant impact on their ability to grow grapes and produce quality wines. While the state’s wine industry is not a major emitter of greenhouse gas emissions, it is directly impacted by climate change. The participating wineries and vineyards have demonstrated their leadership in addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by completing their first year of the carbon neutral program.
Fourteen wineries and vineyards have completed the carbon neutral program for 2009 and invested in a regional and verifiable offset managed by the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. These are: Abacela, Adelsheim, A to Z Wineworks/REX HILL, Chehalem Winery, Cooper Mountain Wine, King Estate Winery, Left Coast Cellars, Lemelson Vineyards, Mahonia Vineyards, Sokol Blosser Winery, Soter Vineyards, Stoller Vineyards, Willamette Valley Vineyards, and Winderlea Wine Company.
What does the initiative involve?
The Carbon Neutral Challenge Initiative provides tools to enable wineries/vineyards to reach the goal of becoming carbon neutral by first and foremost reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the extent economically feasible, and then incorporating carbon offsets to reach the goal of carbon neutrality.
The first step is to calculate the greenhouse gas (basically carbon/CO2) footprint for the winery and/or vineyard operation using a tool based on The Climate Registry’s requirements. Once the operation’s carbon footprint is established, it is easier to identify the source of the major emissions and develop a plan to reduce emissions.
The second step is to implement a plan to reduce carbon emissions in the winery operations by making smart, cost-effective investments and operational changes. Each winery should consider installing renewable energy systems on site, including solar opportunities identified in step one. The Oregon Business Energy Tax Credit, federal tax credits and Energy Trust incentives provide significant financial assistance for efficiency upgrades and renewable energy. Energy Trust can support small wind, geothermal and hydro electric generating projects. Conversion to biodiesel (B99 or B50) fuel can also reduce emissions. Other investments such as lighting retrofits, tank insulation, and cellar space portioning are highly encouraged.
The final step is to purchase carbon offsets for any portion of the footprint that is not reduced in a cost effective manner. Wineries invest in local, high quality, and certified carbon offset projects located in Oregon and managed by the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. The more the carbon footprint is reduced, the less these offsets will cost.
Who is providing support for this initiative?
The Oregon Environmental Council and the Oregon Wine Board welcome and appreciate the participation and support of Ecos Consulting for providing on-going technical assistance to participating wineries, as well as funding provided by the Bullitt Foundation, Ecoworks Foundation, and Oregon Business Development Department.
For more information about the CNC or if you are interested in joining, contact us.