Reducing Carbon Emissions
As Rathfinny has grown, we have worked to reduce the carbon intensity of our operations. While overall production has increased, our carbon emissions per bottle have fallen since our 2020 baseline assessment. Improvements in energy efficiency, renewable energy generation and vineyard practices have all contributed to reducing the Estate’s overall footprint.
Renewable Energy
In partnership with Brighton Energy Co-operative, Rathfinny has installed 1,400 solar panels across our production buildings. These generate renewable electricity that helps power the energy-intensive activities within the Winery.
The project forms part of a community energy initiative that allows local people to invest in renewable energy while supporting the transition to cleaner power on the Estate.
Innovative Winemaking
Since the 2016 vintage, Rathfinny has used electrodialysis to stabilise our wines. This innovative technique reduces energy consumption for wine stabilisation by more than 95% compared with traditional chilling methods, saving around 18,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year — roughly equivalent to the annual electricity use of five average UK households. Not only are we saving astounding amounts of energy, but this method gives our wines a refreshing, fruit-driven style.
Innovative Wastewater Treatment
Winemaking requires significant volumes of water, particularly during harvest and cleaning cycles. To minimise environmental impact, Rathfinny operates an advanced, energy-efficient on-site water treatment facility – known as a Bio Bubble – that ensures all wastewater generated across the Estate is treated and recycled.
This system allows water to be safely reused while reducing pressure on local resources and maintaining the highest environmental standards.
Falcons in the Vineyard
Instead of using plastic netting to protect grapes from birds, Rathfinny works with trained falcons to naturally deter flocks from feeding on the fruit.
Cane Bale Recycling
Vine prunings taken from the vineyard are baled and reused for environmental projects, including flood defence systems.
How We Count Carbon
Understanding our footprint is the first step in reducing it. Rathfinny measures its emissions using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the leading global standard for carbon accounting. This framework tracks emissions from direct operations, purchased energy and wider supply chain activities.
We work with Carbon Jacked to ensure our reporting is accurate, transparent and comparable year on year, helping us identify opportunities to further reduce our impact.
To learn more about how we are reducing our footprint and tracking progress across the Estate, explore our annual Impact Reports.
