Our response to Climate Change

The climate crisis is a major threat to our future. We are working on an ambitious climate plan to reduce our emissions, adapt to climate change, and use our voices to call for wider action.

Over recent decades, climatic changes in the Douro valley have accompanied the global trends. We are experiencing higher average temperatures and more heatwaves, as well as lower and more erratic rainfall levels. Without ambitious and rapid global action to reduce emissions, these trends will worsen and may eventually put the viability of our region at risk.

Although the scale of this challenge is far beyond the reach of a single company, we have a responsibility to respond decisively within our area of activity. We believe that any credible climate action plan must include measuring end-to-end carbon emissions and committing to science-based emissions reductions targets. As one of the first members of International Wineries for Climate Action, we are at the forefront of efforts to decarbonise the wine sector and are proud to be part of the UN’s Race-to-Zero campaign.

Our objectives

MEASURE & REDUCE EMISSIONS

Annual greenhouse gas measurements (from 2015 onwards)

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End-to-end emissions (including supply chain & transport)

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Certified and verified by an external auditor

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Members of International Wineries for Climate Action

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Participating in the UN’s Race-to-Zero campaign

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Committed to science-based emissions reductions targets

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Overall goal of limiting global temperature rises to +1.5C

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Wide-ranging bottle weight reduction programme

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Studying carbon capture technology in the winery

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Reforestation programme on our land in the Alentejo

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Electrification of our company vehicle fleet

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Solar panels installation to reach +25% self-suffiency

ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Long-term study of weather conditions in the Douro

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Collaborations with academics on regional climate change

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Dedicated team working on adaptations in the vineyard

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Research into adaptation potential of different grape varieties

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Partners in VineScout – vineyard monitoring robot to map conditions

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Partners in VISCA – climate forecasting software for vineyards

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Research into smart irrigation to help vines withstand hot conditions

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Changes to vineyard layout and canopy management