Taylors is committed to protecting its local natural environment and pursuing broader ecologically sustainable outcomes for the company. To read the Taylors environmental policy click here. To deliver on this goal, the company has adopted an extensive Environmental Action Plan, made up of a number of key initiatives:
Recycling 100% of Waste Water
This state-of-the-art Water Recycling Plant (WRP) was commissioned in 2005, operating continuously through the subsequent two vintages. The plant has since undergone continual upgrade and development to recycle all waste water generated by the winery and bottling hall. Now fully performing to specification, the plant is able to recycle 100% of waste water produced by the winery for re-use on the company’s vineyards.
Best Practice Viticulture – Water Conservation and Management
In the vineyard, a number of environmental practices have been implemented in order to minimise water consumption and environmental impact, these include:
• 550 hectares of vineyards with straw spreading on targeted areas to reduce water loss from evaporation
• Two "lined" dams (110 mega litres & 160 mega litres) with all irrigation done by state of the art dripper lines to each vine
• A balance between rain water, recycled water, bore water, the local Wakefield river and the Murray river for irrigation needs
• The utilisation of all organic waste including grape mark as compost on the vineyards
• The substantial reduction of water consumption and improved soil conditions on vine rows using composted mulching materials
• Storm water is harvested from winery buildings and channelled into dams
Pesticide Minimisation
Insecticide application in the vineyards is minimised at all times with no broad spectrum insecticides in use. By continuous vineyard monitoring, targeted spraying only takes place in the worst affected areas. In addition, any fungicide used in the vineyards are certified for organic production.
Eco-mapping Framework
Taylors has implemented an advanced system to audit the environmental impact of the company and adjust practice accordingly. EcoMapping™ is endorsed by the South Australian Environmental Protection Agency and allows a company to effectively analyse and manage environmental performance. It involves producing a map of all functional sites (eg vineyards, bottling plant) and creates an inventory of best environmental practices. EcoMapping™ designed to help organisations manage, control, and report on their environmental performance.
In 2006, Taylors commissioned a consultant environmental advisor, specifically trained in the use of the system. Taylors is currently working towards ISO 14001accreditation, the international standard for environmental management systems (EMS).
Carbon Footprint Assessment
Taylors is currently working with Provisor to undertake a carbon footprint assessment. With this information Taylors will be able to formulate a strategy to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions substantially. (Provisor developed the International Wine Industry Greenhouse Gas Calculator on behalf of the Winemakers Federation of Australia).
Regeneration of the Wakefield River
The Wakefield River flows in a southerly direction through Auburn in the Clare Valley before turning west to flow through Balaklava and into the Port Wakefield estuary. Taylors has championed a project to regenerate the Wakefield River with control of weed species and the planting of local indigenous vegetation to enhance biodiversity. This project is in the early stages and is a partnership between community, business and government. It has received funding approval from the government.
