Ecos is playing a major role in Oregon’s innovative Carbon Neutral Challenge initiative, which is helping Oregon wineries neutralize their environmental impact.
Globally, only a handful of wineries and vineyards have become carbon neutral, but most Oregon wineries – many of which already operate sustainably – recognize that if climate change is not addressed, it could have a significant impact on their production and the entire industry.
Ecos’ role in the initiative is to help wineries compile individual greenhouse gas inventories and incorporate the information into a carbon inventory tool, developed by Ecos and based on the International Wine Industry Greenhouse Gas Accounting Protocol. Wineries are then assisted in implementing impact mitigation strategies, and consulted on inventory registration with The Climate Registry and carbon offset purchases to help make the participants carbon neutral.
Brad Ouderkirk, vice president of Business Solutions for Ecos, said the process the wineries went through before purchasing offsets demonstrates their commitment to environmental stewardship. "It's a very progressive stance," he said. "We coach companies to deploy real measures and to be running as lean and as powerful as possible, before buying offsets.”
Along with this effort, Ecos has also supported the initiative by providing strategic marketing services to further promote the group’s efforts to become more environmentally sustainable, ultimately mitigating climate change.
Read more:
Sustainable Business Oregon
Oregon Wine Association
Carbon Neutral Challenge Initiative
Wine Spectator
