The environment in Marlborough is winning with the launch of Yealand’s Wines Marlborough Sustainability Initiative.
Marlborough-based Yealands Wine Group has been committed to sustainability since it first began operation in 2008 and is continuing its good work by making $100,000 of funding available for environmental projects in Marlborough.
Since the February launch of Yealand’s Wines Marlborough Sustainability Initiative (YSI), in partnership with the Marlborough District Council and the Blenheim Sun, $46,000 has been awarded to local environmental not-for-profit groups and charitable organisations.
Many of these groups are working to improve fresh water quality, preserve sensitive natural areas, and protect biodiversity in the Marlborough district.
Most recently, Yealand’s has also become a member of International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA), a collective that unites winemakers in a mission to decarbonise the global wine industry. As part of this membership, Yealands has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2045.
Yealand’s winery roof in the Awatere Valley already has one one of New Zealand’s largest solar panel installations, producing more than half a million kW hours per year (enough to power 70 average households). And Yealand’s also a Toitu carbonzero accredited winery.
Applications for YSI grants will be open twice a year. Each charitable or not-for-profit community group can apply for individual grants of up to $10,000 each year.
That’s definitely worth raising a glass to!