Discover the benefits of Decarbonization in Wineries with our expert guidance. Learn how reducing carbon emissions can improve the sustainability of your winery.
Decarbonization in Wineries
The wine industry has grown more conscious of carbon emissions over the years, however, there’s still a need for further decarbonization in wineries. Decarbonization essentially involves transitioning buildings to all-electric power in combination with renewable or carbon-free energy sources. Although the growing process itself represents a small portion of the overall greenhouse gas emissions, transportation, bottling, and waste contributes to approximately 80% of the industry’s total emissions. Employing effective building decarbonization solutions is an essential step in reducing greenhouse gases and creating a more sustainable future.
Solutions for Decarbonization in Wineries
Decarbonization is the process of removing both operational and embodied carbon from the environment. Operational carbon refers to the total amount of carbon created by energy sources used for heating and cooling, ventilation, lighting, and power, while embodied carbon refers to the CO2 emissions associated with materials and the construction process throughout the lifecycle of a building. This includes, among other things, the emissions that come from manufacturing building materials, transportation of the materials, and construction practices used at the job site.
Some examples of building decarbonization solutions that can help reduce the carbon footprint of wineries include:
- Transitioning from fossil fuel-powered equipment to biodiesel or electric equipment
- Moving to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal
- Using sustainable packaging and design, like light-weight wine bottles
- Conserving energy and water use in the vineyard
- Using smart technology and weather stations to monitor and measure water needs and use
- Investing in energy-efficient pumps and flow meters
- Using sustainable construction methods and materials when renovating or constructing new buildings
- Comprehensive Consulting for Decarbonization in Wineries
Whether you operate an existing winery or are planning the construction of a new winery, Gilleran Energy Management can help you meet your decarbonization goals. Our consultants stay current on the latest certifications, regulations, and best practices to provide clear and actionable guidance on which steps to take to reduce both operational and embodied carbon.
We provide comprehensive support for ENERGY STAR certification and benchmarking, electrification, Zero Net Energy, energy audits, and more. We can also help you understand how the latest update to the 2022 Energy & Green Building Codes will affect your upcoming projects. To schedule a consultation, contact us today at (707) 528-7318 or email us at information@gilleranenergy.com.
Posted on February 7, 2023 in Updates