TWE has joined some of the world’s biggest companies partnering with global renewable energy initiative RE100 as part of its commitment to switch its global operations to 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2024.
As part of its transition to renewable power, TWE Chief Corporate Services Officer, Kirsten Gray said the company was also taking action to improve energy efficiency and minimise energy use.
“We have more than 12,700 hectares of vineyards globally, so we understand the importance of managing and planning for the impacts of climate change – not only as a global premium wine producer but also as a responsible business that operates in communities all around the world,” Ms Gray said.
TWE’s premium wines including Penfolds, Wolf Blass, Pepperjack, Wynns, and Squealing Pig will be made with 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2024.
“This plan will help TWE to lead the way in addressing climate change. When consumers drink these premium wines, they’ll know that the sun is helping TWE to grow and produce their wine in a cleaner and greener way,” said Ms Gray.
RE100 Australian Coordinator Jon Dee said: “Vineyards have always relied on the sun to produce the grapes for wine. It makes business sense for TWE to go the next step and use the sun to power the facilities that turn their grapes into wines.”
Ms Gray said the company’s commitment to RE100 is built on a legacy of reducing energy consumption and identifying alternatives to minimise the environmental impact of its wines.
“Electricity currently accounts for approximately 75 per cent of our Scope 1 and 2 emissions and we’ve already begun the transition to renewable electricity through solar panel installations and solar hot water at key sites around the world,” Ms Gray said.
TWE’s renewable electricity target forms part of its broader sustainability agenda which includes net zero carbon emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 2030 and a range of activities to prepare for, and adapt to a changing climate.
“We’re committed to continuing to identify, trial, and implement opportunities to improve the energy efficiency and emissions profile of our business and to ensure our efforts are informed and supported by industry-led expertise,” Ms Gray said.
Existing RE100 signatories include Coca-Cola South Pacific, Pernod-Ricard and Woolworths. The initiative strives to amass the world’s most influential businesses committed to 100% renewable power. Led by international non-profit the Climate Group in partnership with CDP, the group have a total revenue of over US$6.6 trillion and operate in a diverse range of sectors.
