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- Vehicles & Transportation | CSWAClimateSmart
Anchor 1 Anchor 1 IMPLEMENT: VEHICLES & TRANSPORTATION Importance of Transportation in the Context of Climate Change Transportation is responsible for more than a quarter of all GHG emissions globally. Removing fossil fuels from transportation is a critical part of climate action, with the state of California and many other jurisdictions looking to eliminate fossil fuel usage by 2040 or earlier. Global investments in decarbonizing transportation is substantial, with billions invested annually. Reducing Fuel Usage and Decarbonization of Transportation is Key Any efficiencies that can be made in vineyard and winery transportation that reduce fuel usage (Scope 1 emissions) and that reduce fuel use in the supply chain (Scope 3 emissions) is helpful. Electrification of transportation, which can then be powered with renewable energy, is the ultimate goal. The transition to electric-powered transportation is in the early stages, with only some electric-powered vehicles currently cost effective. For instance: Light-duty electric vehicles are at or near price parity with fossil fuel powered vehicles for initial purchase price and can have lower energy and maintenance costs during vehicle use. Medium and heavy-duty electric vehicles are still often substantially more expensive for initial purchase, but some use cases can demonstrate lower total cost of ownership over the course of vehicle life. Electrification for non-road vehicle applications such as tractors, other hauling equipment, and lift trucks is also happening with mixed results. Charging infrastructure is an important consideration. Private charging (e.g. on-site, self-owned) is often desirable, but public charging networks are advancing in both scale and sophistication for many applications. Working with Service Providers Many transportation services providers, including those that distribute wine, are actively planning their own fleet electrification efforts. In addition to selecting providers who are committed to reducing GHG emissions, vineyards and wineries can develop their own Fleet Electrification Transition Plan to: map out their own fleet replacement schedule, identify the opportunities to prioritize specific vehicle electrification, understand their necessary charging infrastructure, and engage with their suppliers to understand and encourage their electrification. Resources: Vehicles & Transportation - Implementation Guide : Provides details on reducing GHG emissions related to vineyard and winery transportation, sustainable vehicle procurement, reducing vehicle energy use and optimizing wine distribution.
- Assess | Climate Action Toolkit
IMPLEMENT: VINEYARD ENERGY EFFICIENCY & RENEWABLES Energy Use in Vineyards The combustion of fossil fuels during the operation of tractors, ATVs, irrigation pumps, and other farm equipment constitutes a large source of the vineyard carbon footprint . As such, reducing fuel and electricity usage is one of the most effective ways to reduce the vineyard carbon footprint and help mitigate climate change. Reducing energy use is also good for the bottom line since it reduces energy costs and conserves natural resources. Priority Practices Quick Links: Conduct an Energy Audit Optimize Energy Efficiency Electrify Equipement Power with Renewable Energy The Goal of Decarbonization One of the main objectives of climate action is decarbonization (using carbon-free renewable energy sources for all energy needs). To achieve decarbonization, first overall energy use must be reduced and optimized, wherever possible equipment should be powered with electricity and renewable energy such as solar and wind should be used. Technology advances are still needed to efficiently electrify all farm equipment, however, there are many steps outlined below that can move your vineyard operation closer to decarbonization. 1. Conduct an Energy Audit Before installing any renewable energy or implementing energy efficiency measures, an energy audit should be conducted. The intent of an energy audit is to assess energy-consuming processes and equipment and to compile a list of potential changes in behavior or technology that can reduce overall energy consumption. Once energy consumption is minimized, then renewable energy options can be explored that will meet the vineyard’s energy needs, which can prevent added costs from installing renewable energy systems that provide more energy than needed. The three main uses of energy in vineyard operations include the irrigation system, farm vehicles and tractors, and lighting of structures and outdoor task areas on the property (non-winery structures). Use the following resource to assess your energy related practices, prioritize potential opportunities and learn about resources for cost-share, rebates and incentives. 2. Optimize Energy Efficiency Once you have completed an energy audit, you can prioritize potential opportunities for efficiency. Energy efficiency practices for vineyards fall primarily into three categories: irrigation pump, vineyard vehicles and lighting. Since irrigation pumps are the one of largest sources of energy use it is important to ensure pumps are operating efficiently. An inefficient pump will use more energy than normally required and may not supply the pressure and flow appropriate to the demands of the pumping system. The result could be poor distribution uniformity and poor irrigation efficiency, leading to more water being pumped to fully irrigate the vineyard, which can impact winegrape quality and quantity. The following list of potential improvement areas are shown in order from highest impact on energy use to lowest to help with prioritization. Include relevant practices in Climate Action Plan Worksheet to help track practices and create timelines for implementation. You can also run the CSWA Climate Smart Report to easily identify which energy efficiency practices are already implemented and where there are improvement opportunities. Irrigation Pump Efficiency Vineyard Vehicles Lighting Office Equipment 3. Electrify Equipment As noted above, a large source of the vineyard carbon footprint is from combustion of fossil fuels for operation of vineyard vehicles and equipment. To decarbonize mobile and stationary field equipment, the equipment needs to be powered with electricity that can be sourced from renewable energy. Electrifying vineyard vehicles and equipment is one area that needs more research and advancements in technology, however there are some promising options available along with financing assistance. 4. Power with Renewable Energy Many vineyards and wineries install solar panels as part of their renewable energy strategies, with a growing number adding batteries for storage. Installing solar photovoltaic panels can be a great investment, especially as electricity costs continually increase. There is also currently a Federal Tax Credit that covers 30% of the cost of solar. There are more options for incorporating renewable energy into your operations than rooftop solar panels. You can also explore innovative technologies powered by the sun to pump water. Resources: Vineyard Energy Efficiency & Renewables - Implementation Guide : The guide outlines key practices and resources to support implementation of an energy audit, energy efficiency measures for irrigation pumps, vineyard vehicles, lighting and office equipment, and renewable energy, along with cost-share, rebate and incentive opportunities to help finance energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy.
- Implement | Climate Action Toolkit
STEP 3: IMPLEMENT Guidance, Resources and Tips for Climate Smart Practice Adoption Once you have identified your climate action goals in Step 2: Assess & Plan, you can find information about how to implement specific climate smart practices in this section. Either navigate directly to the topics and practices identified in your climate action plan or browse topics to learn more about why those practices are important for building climate resiliency and what steps and resources are needed for implementation. Navigate to Implementation Guides Below or via the Navigation Bar Navigate directly to relevant topics and practices using the list below or by using the menu at the top of the page. Helpful information on practices that are included in your climate action plan is organized by Vineyard , Winery or Supply Chain. Vineyard Practices: Viticulture Adaptation Soil Health & Carbon Sequestration Drought Resiliency & Irrigation Energy Efficiency & Renewables Winery Practices: Energy Efficiency & Renewables Packaging Water & Solid Waste Supply Chain Practices (Vineyard & Winery): Sustainable Purchasing & Suppliers Vehicles & Transportation Implementation Guides Provide Detailed How-To Information and Cost Share Opportunities Each climate smart practice in this toolkit has an accompanying implementation guide. These guides provide detailed information and concrete steps to carry out the climate smart practice along with resources and tools to assist with implementation. Cost-share and incentives may be available through governmental and non-governmental organizations to reduce the financial burden of certain practices; therefore, the end of each guide contains a Cost-Share Opportunities section with available assistance and funding opportunities. A list of the implementation guides can also be found on the Resources page.