Liberty Wines goes ‘carbon neutral plus’

By Michelle Perrett

Published: 18 October, 2021

Liberty Wines has revealed that it has become the only ‘carbon neutral plus’ UK wine supplier – offsetting more emissions than the business generates.

A recent assessment by Carbon Footprint Ltd found the company reduced carbon emissions for the third year running in 2020, achieving a reduction of 34% since 2017.

The total emissions saved by Liberty Wines in 2020 versus the previous year are equivalent to the volume generated by the annual electricity usage of 80+ homes, or the consumption of 44,300 gallons of diesel, the company said.

Liberty Wines implemented key initiatives across its business to cut emissions. In December 2019, the company’s headquarters in Clapham, London, switched to 100% renewable energy. The business remained open and fully functional throughout 2020 with site emissions falling by more than 95% versus 2019. Emissions generated by remote workers were also accounted for in the appraisal.

Outsourced freight continues to be the largest contributor to Liberty Wines’ carbon emissions, accounting for over 80% of the carbon footprint. This was reduced by 15% in 2020 compared to 2019 through ongoing consolidation of orders and moving to lower-emission rail or sea shipments where possible.

Liberty Wines has also revealed that it supporting Seawilding, a charity based in Scotland that works to restore degraded marine habitats and species, improve water quality and sequester carbon. Key projects, both taking place in Loch Craignish, include a five-year scheme to grow up to one million juvenile native oysters, and a seagrass restoration project.

Through Carbon Footprint’s offsetting programme, Liberty Wines also helps fund several global projects such as planting trees to protect forests and biodiversity in Kenya, reducing deforestation in the Amazonian rain forest and installing and maintaining wind turbines in Maharashtra, India.

“After years of conversations with grape growers and hearing first-hand the impact of erratic or extreme weather on their harvests, I’m in no doubt as to the need to address climate change with a sense of urgency,” said Liberty Wines MD, David Gleave.

“As a fast-growing company it’s imperative that we build a sustainable future, and it’s gratifying to see our annual emissions fall as business levels increase. The move to ‘carbon neutral plus’ certification seemed a natural next step and enables us to make a positive contribution to the environment. We’re also pleased to support Seawilding and the valuable work they’re doing to restore native oyster populations and protect marine habitats.”

Liberty Wines director of sales Tim Fordham recently revealed to Harpers the company priorities for the second half of 2021.

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