THE Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, visited Backsberg Estate Cellars outside Paarl recently. The ministry’s interest in the wine farm came about due to their Carbon Neutral status.
Backsberg is one of South Africa’s leaders in the implementation of sustainable solutions to tackle the climate change issue and to reduce environmental damage. In 2006, Backsberg became the first wine producer in South Africa and one of only three in the world to gain Carbon Neutral status.
To achieve this Backsberg completed a comprehensive carbon audit to understand the carbon emission consequences of its farming and wine making activities and the impact on the environment.
The carbon audit reviewed all activities from overall energy consumption to CO² emitted during fermentation and where carbon emissions had not been eliminated, such emissions were sequestrated.
Backsberg’s proprietor, Michael Back, has initiated studies and various projects to tackle environmental damage.
Tree lots, for renewable energy, have been planted in consultation with the University of Stellenbosch. Further trees have been planted in Klapmuts for carbon sequestration.
Bio-fuel (from recycled oil), use of LED lighting in the hallways of the estate, skylights, use of smaller ploughs and vehicles, and numerous smaller projects have already been implemented.
Backsberg is also a “Champion” of the Biodiversity in Wine Initiative and has helped rescue several plant species from extinction by reserving 10% of the farm for non-development and preservation of the endangered “Fynbos” biome.
