In collaboration with the sustainability consultants at Edge Impact, Wine Australia has released an "Emissions Reduction Roadmap." This roadmap is intended to outline specific actions with the goal of reducing the CO₂ emissions of the Australian grape and wine sector by more than 40% by 2030, compared to 2021 levels. Currently, these emissions are equivalent to a fully-loaded jet plane circling the Earth 609 times in a year.
Reportedly, the roadmap was developed with input from over 200 industry members. It aims not only to capture the sector's current CO₂ footprint but also to provide practical solutions for its reduction.
Dr. Sharon Harvey, Head of the Research and Innovation Program at Wine Australia, emphasizes the importance of the roadmap as a significant starting point for decarbonizing the Australian wine sector. She noted, "Backed by science, our Roadmap identifies the current footprint of the Australian grape and wine sector, the key areas where emissions reduction can be achieved, and provides practical steps for growers, winemakers, and other members of the value chain to start or further reduce emissions from today."
Science-backed Initiatives
The roadmap includes eleven initiatives intended to reduce both costs and emissions throughout the entire supply chain. Examples include optimizing data-driven decisions, transitioning to renewable energies, and low-emission transportation solutions. Lachie Thomas, an analyst for Environment and Viticulture at Tahbilk Winery, highlights the importance of the guide, seeing it as an opportunity to unite the wine industry and position it globally in the realm of sustainable production.
The roadmap is part of Wine Australia's strategy to make the wine sector fit for the future and meet changing needs and requirements. The guide discusses, among other things, the use of lightweight glass bottles to reduce emissions in the energy and transportation sectors. Besides purchasing 100% renewable energy, solar panels will be used to capture sunlight. For clarifying must, flotation is recommended as an alternative to cold settling. Electro-dialysis is intended to replace the energy-intensive cold stabilization.
