Bordeaux beats environmental targets

Mission accomplished. 

After aiming for a 20% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions between 2008 and 2020, the Bordeaux wine region has reported an actual drop of 30% in its carbon dioxide equivalent emissions over the 12 years.

The Interprofessional Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB) reported the figures this week during its 12th environmental forum at the Palais des Congrès in Bordeaux.

The carbon footprint of the Bordeaux wine industry amounted to 587,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2020, compared to 840,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2008, Vitisphere reported. 

There has been "real progress", says Laurent Charlier, the research and innovation manager of the CIVB. 

Laure Le Quéré, project manager at the Greenflex consulting firm, said successful initiatives had included lighter bottles and monitoring of energy consumption. 

Future plans include working on greener packaging, the development of alternatives to agricultural fuel oil and inputs, and the energy efficiency of buildings.