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by James Bailey
Published: October 24, 2024
WineGB has released its first sustainability impact report, coinciding with the International Day of Climate Action. The report highlights the rapid growth of the Sustainable Wine of Great Britain (SWGB) programme, which now covers 43% of the UK’s vineyard area. Launched four years ago, SWGB encourages sustainable practices aimed at reducing carbon emissions in vineyards and wineries.
Drawing data from WineGB's Carbon Calculator, SWGB Data Center and industry surveys, the report provides a detailed overview of ESG efforts. The SWGB now covers 1,791 hectares of vineyards, with 79 members participating. 31 companies completed initial audits, and 13 companies received Gold certification, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability standards. Most vineyards focus on sustainable land management, using techniques such as cover crops, animal integration, and limited use of herbicides.
The results reveal that 62% of the wineries surveyed use renewable energy, and more than half of WineGB's producing members have adopted its carbon calculator to monitor their carbon footprint. Emphasis has also been placed on accessibility, with 44% of the vineyards now accessible by public transport. About 30% of producers have set net zero targets, with the majority committing to clear timelines. However, only 19.4% received government funding for sustainability projects, indicating a need for stronger support.
Sam Linter, President of WineGB, said: “The launch of this report is testament to the progress we have made and the hard work of our team. However, although we have made great strides as an organization in just four years, we realize that we are only at the beginning of our journey. The findings of this report will allow us to track our progress and collectively become more sustainable.
Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB, added that their aim is to position the UK as a leading region for sustainable wine, calling for clearer guidance and enhanced financial support from the government. She said improving the alignment of incentives is essential to address the environmental and financial challenges facing the sector.
The launch of the report is part of WineGB's 30 Days of Sustainable Action programme, which began on 10 October with a toolkit to promote safe and respectful workplaces.
