EPA awards Yalumba's sustainability journey

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) will today present The Yalumba Wine Company with South Australia's first EPA Accredited Sustainability Licence.

The new licence is only awarded to businesses that demonstrate a high level of environmental performance and show a commitment to continuous improvement.

EPA Presiding Member Cheryl Bart AO said the new EPA Accredited Sustainability Licence is a combination of the EPA's existing Accredited Licence with a voluntary sustainability agreement.

“This sustainability agreement commits the company to continually improving its environmental performance as well as actively working with its community,” Bart said.

“Under the new licence, the EPA will still be able to use its regulatory and enforcement powers if necessary; however, companies with outstanding environmental track records are eligible for a simplified licence.

“For a company to receive an EPA Accredited Sustainability Licence, they must pass rigorous assessments and demonstrate that they comply with best practice standards.

“As far as environmental licences go, this is the highest standard of licence a company can achieve.

“The new licence benefits businesses by not only building on their performance but by rewarding them with discounted licence fees and a licence term of 10 years.

“Yalumba's environmental achievements were recognised when the company achieved a 9.5% reduction of emissions for every litre of wine produced at Angaston.

“Yalumba is an example of what can be achieved and we congratulate all the Board, management and staff for their passion and commitment.”

Initial targets Yalumba aims to achieve under its voluntary sustainability agreement include:

• Further reduce water use by 10%
• Continue to beneficially re-use all winery wastewater
• Undertake additional energy audits to identify cost-effective opportunities
• Work with suppliers to maximise the sustainability of packaging

Minister for Environment and Conservation Paul Caica congratulated The Yalumba Wine Company saying: “The South Australian government hopes that other businesses will soon follow this pioneering effort and seek to sign up for their own sustainability licence.”