Wirra Wirra
This is the first of a series of case studies published in the second edition of the EPA corporate brochure 'Good for Environment Good for Business’, being featured in Monitor.
Wirra Wirra is one of South Australia’s most recognisable wine brands, but it is also a company which has used its commitment to environmentally sustainable practices as a driving force in its development and a key plank in its success.
Established in 1894, the winery was in hiatus for almost 50 years until 1969 when two cousins, Greg and Roger Trott, bought the property and set a course of recovery by salvaging its fermenting tanks and recommissioning the vineyard, naming it Wirra Wirra, which is Aboriginal for 'amongst the gum trees'.
It now employs more than 40 people in its picturesque McLaren Vale location, which helped inspire Greg Trott to become proactive on issues of water management, land conservation and chemical use.
Since 2005, Wirra Wirra has employed a dedicated environmental co-ordinator to manage various projects to provide a cleaner and more environmentally-efficient winery.
More than 4,200 native trees have been planted on its McLaren Vale site, its creek has been rehabilitated and 900 exotic trees and shrubs removed, along 400 metres of path.
EPA Director Strategy and Business Roslyn Agate said this winery not only understands its environmental responsibilities but also recognises the economic benefits.
“Wirra Wirra will often proactively seek advice and guidance from the EPA on environmental matters that has seen improvements to the company’s waste management and a reduction of wastewater overflows,” Ms Agate said.
“This recognises the significance of on-site environmental management as part of its business plan.”
In 2012, Wirra Wirra gained membership to Trees for Life and in the following year achieved National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia (NASAA) membership, which sets a benchmark for organic, biodynamic and sustainable agricultural practices.
The company has also been working on waste minimisation for a long time and continues to maintain an onsite composting program for its vintage waste and part of its treated wastewater sludge.
This has reduced the quantity of solids in its untreated wastewater by 70% which has been achieved through the installation of stainless steel screens on winery drains.
Efficiency drives and the installation of solar panels in 2014 has seen the company’s reliance on the electricity grid fall by 50% while there has also been a 60% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions during the same period, with annual savings of around $50,000. Wirra Wirra is now focused on gaining Entwine Australia certification – the wine industry’s national environmental assurance program – as its next significant environmental milestone.
