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IMPLEMENT: 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. Electrification of transportation, which can then be powered with renewable energy, is the ultimate goal. Global investments in decarbonizing transportation is substantial, with billions invested annually.

Supply Chain & Logistics

The transport of wine, purchased materials, employee travel and waste removal represents a substantial portion of a California winery or vineyard’s overall carbon footprint. While optimizing company-owned vehicles addresses direct fuel use (Scope 1), reducing Scope 3 emissions requires looking beyond vehicles in your direct control by optimizing freight, distribution networks, packaging, and third-party logistics.

Optimizing Wine Distribution & Freight

The transportation of wine from the winery to warehouse and retail locations is a significant portion of the carbon footprint. Optimizing distribution through strategic shipping modes, bulk transit, and packaging design offers key opportunities for GHG reductions.

Consider wine packaging that optimizes volumes for transport (e.g., lighter bottles that allow more cases per shipment, alternative packaging that is more compact).

Where possible, choose rail transport for wine distribution since it is the least carbon intensive mode of transportation.

Consider bulk shipping over long distances and bottling closer to the point of sale, when possible.

Partnering with Sustainable Logistics 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.

Employee Commuting & Business Travel

Emissions generated by employee travel and commute patterns fall under Scope 3 indirect emissions. Implementing flexible policies and supporting alternative transit options can significantly cut these miles. Examples of strategies include:

Active & Sustainable Commuting

Carpooling & Public Transit: Encourage ridesharing and commute alternatives.
Commuter Benefits: Consider offering transit benefits or incentives for employees who use public transportation or non-motorized transport.
Active Commuting Support: Encourage biking to work by exploring amenities like showers or changing facilities, or by offering optional financial support for e-bike purchases or leases. Supporting active transportation has the added benefit of promoting overall employee health and wellness.

Flexible Work Policies

Remote & Hybrid Options: Where roles allow (such as administrative, marketing, or management positions), offer hybrid or work-from-home options to eliminate commute trips entirely.
Flexible Scheduling: Consider allowing flexible start and end times so staff can avoid peak traffic hours, reducing emissions spent idling in traffic.

Business Travel Optimization

Virtual-First Meetings: Utilize virtual meetings whenever possible to replace non-essential travel.
Minimize Flight Emissions: When business travel is necessary, prioritize direct flights, encourage rail for shorter regional routes, and select airlines with active decarbonization or Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) initiatives.

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.