A small number of corporations in Australia are proactively aiming to tackle matters of sustainability and net zero carbon emissions ahead of any forthcoming government mandates. Among them is Treasury Wine Estates (TWE), which earlier this month announced its commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 along with using 100 percent renewable energy by 2024. These objectives are part of TWE’s larger sustainability initiative that also emphasises planning for the impacts of climate change, water stewardship, sustainable packaging and inclusion and diversity.
Most companies in the wine sector are already focusing on sustainability, of which the lowering of carbon emissions is a key component of the various certification processes, depending on the country and awarding body. Going beyond just lowering emissions is the goal of being carbon neutral – or net zero – or even further, net positive. Many companies use carbon offsetting as a way of lowering their net emissions. However, TWE is going one step further by aiming to lower emissions without using offsets.
While some companies have their sights set on 2030 or even 2050, others in the wine sector have already achieved carbon neutrality, although albeit oftentimes through the purchase of offsets. Many individual wineries across the globe, such as Fetzer Vineyards in the United States, Cullen Wines in Australia, and Backsberg in South Africa – just to name a few – have achieved the net zero status. Larger organisations such as Accolade Wines Europe can also tout their carbon neutral status.
