“In 1998 we started working with a clean action plan and natural and integrated vineyard management was implemented at the winery. Then we started working with organic viticulture, being the first winery in Chile to achieve 9001 and 14001 ISO certifications. Today, the big issue we face is climate change and it’s our duty to support the means to prevent and reverse it. That’s why we decided to take the next step with The CarbonNeutral Company and later received ISO 14064 certification through the CEMARS™ outline.”
Adolfo Hurtado, Cono Sur Chief Winemaker and General Manager
Cono Sur’s CarbonNeutral delivery® status
In July 2007 Cono Sur became the first winery in the world to obtain CarbonNeutral® delivery status, which is renewed anually.
What does this mean?
The CO2 emissions from the maritime shipping of both Cono Sur and Isla Negra wines have been measured and compensated through the purchase of Carbon Bonds on international projects that have reduced Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions. This measurement and compensation is done through The CarbonNeutral Company based in the UK.
How are CO2 emissions balanced to net zero?
After Cono Sur calculates its CO2 emissions, they must be balanced out to zero. This is accomplished through the purchase of Carbon Bonds. A Carbon Bond represents the right to emit a ton of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide).
The Carbon Bonds transaction mitigates the generation of GHG emissions, also benefitting the company that reduces or does not emit the permitted amount of GHG emissions in tons. The company must pay for any emissions that exceed that permitted amount.
What’s next?
Obtaining CarbonNeutral® delivery status back in 2007 was just the beginning. Cono Sur continues to work on improving its performance regarding climate change issues. The company’s CO2 transportation emissions are offset annually through the renewal of the CarbonNeutral® delivery status.
Additionally, Cono Sur is studying new, sustainable forms of energy supply for which it is conducting energy audits to then develop a renewable energy project at the winery and in the vineyards.
