Sustainability.
Our 15kW solar power plant.
our sustainability goals & practices
We are conscious of the potential impacts of our winemaking and viticultural practices on the environment and are making decisions to implement a sustainable approach to help mitigate any negative outcomes that our business operations may inadvertently create.
Sun-powered Wine.
In January 2020 we installed a 15kW solar array on the winery roof and we have never looked back. Like most businesses, we use the bulk of our power during the day so it made sense that we should install solar.
Following this we installed a Tesla Powerwall 2 with 13.5kW of battery storage which is capable of supplying power to cover all requirements in the evenings and overnight.
With the installation of timers on certain pieces of equipment to only use power during the day when we are making it ourselves, we are now net exporters of power to the grid. It’s nice to receive a cheque from the power company every quarter!
Electric Vehicles.
Around the same time the solar was installed we said goodbye to our LPG forklift and purchased a second hand electric forklift. This enables us to cut emissions from forklift use down to zero which enables a safe working environment especially for indoor work as the winery doors can remain closed without any dangerous emissions to worry about.
But just as satisfying is that we never have to use gas to power our most essential winery vehicle ever again.
On the cards in the future will be the replacement of our other vehicles from fossil fuel to electric powered. There are a few car manufacturers moving into this space which is exciting but we will have to wait another year or two before they become readily available in Australia. But as soon as they do, we’ll be upgrading.