Non Process Practices
Information Technology & reduction in energy requirements
- PLW has installed low energy, low heat ‘diskless’ desktop computers and energy efficient, low heat servers to reduce power consumption and cooling requirements
- The move to diskless workstations, which have a lifespan double that of a standard PC, will result in reduced consumption of manufactured goods, indirectly reducing carbon emissions.
Minimisation of water use
- Non process water refers to water used in hand basins, showers, kitchens, and toilets
- PLW has installed dual flush toilets, low flow showers and low flow aerators in basins and sinks to save water
- A computerised watering system, which operates at night when losses from evaporation are lower, is used to water the lawns near Cellar Door, and operates in accordance with the South Australian water restrictions regime
- Mulch is used on garden beds to reduce weeds and minimise the use of herbicides and watering
- Rainwater tanks and a solar powered hot water system are being incorporated into the extension on the western end of the Cellar Door building.
Bio diversity
- Since the winery was built in 1980 we have planted 7,491 trees and shrubs to provide windbreaks, prevent soil erosion, provide habitat suitable for birds and reduce the obtrusiveness of the building structures on the landscape
- A small bush garden has been established to provide a reliable source of seed for revegetation projects and the preservation of the Barossa Valley’s environmental heritage.
Sugar gum plantation
- PLW is planting 1.5 hectares with sugar gums (Eucalyptus cladocalyx) on the winery site, which will be irrigated with recovered water
- The species is a small to medium tree endemic to South Australia, is quite hardy and useful for windbreaks and wood production.
Protection of natural vegetation along waterways
- PLW participates in the local water resources board’s initiative to remove exotic trees and shrubs and re-establish indigenous plants along the North Para River bank side.
Transport
- Vehicles used by the company are being changed to more energy efficient vehicles with lower emissions
- PLW is a member of Greenfleet which promotes fuel efficient technologies to reduce emissions. It maintains a tree planting and carbon program to sequester the carbon greenhouse emissions from the transport sector
- Almost all wine transported overseas is sent by sea, which is an effective method of transporting large volumes of weighty product. The carbon emissions from ships are much lower than air or road transport. A medium sized container ship carries the equivalent load of 10,000 heavy trucks
- Air travel is used extensively to service overseas markets. Trips cover long distances and the resultant greenhouse emissions are lower than for more frequent, short distance travel.
Paper consumption
- PLW is making greater use of the internet to reduce the amount of printed material distributed
- Trading partners are encouraged to use the trade website as a resource tool for tasting notes, information on the winery and activities at PLW
- The annual report and other financial information are posted promptly to the consumer website
- PLW employees are encouraged to recycle paper
