New Zealand wine industry gets WiSE

Media release
16 June 2014

New Zealand wine industry gets WiSE

A world leading sustainability scorecard and reporting tool is being launched to New Zealand wineries and grape-growers today. WiSE (Wine Industry Sustainability Engine) will be used by around 2000 wineries and vineyards from Northland to Otago. It will record and manage winery and vineyard activities to ensure they meet international sustainability standards required by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand.

The New Zealand wine industry is already seen as a driving force in sustainability with over 94% of the vineyard producing area certified under an independently audited sustainability programme, and WiSE is set to bolster this reputation.

“This marks another step forward for the industry” says Philip Manson, General Manager Sustainability, New Zealand Winegrowers. “New Zealand wineries and grape-growers are committed to growing grapes and making wine in an environmentally and socially responsible way, and have been for a long time. WiSE will make it easier for members of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand to record, manage and report on their sustainable activities, and continue to improve their practices.”

Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand is a world leading sustainability programme and is celebrating its 20th year.

-ENDS-

About Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand
Sustainable winegrowing New Zealand is a proactive environmental management programme that aims to deliver positive social and ecological outcomes. It enables the production of high-quality wine by employing environmentally responsible and economically viable processes in vineyards and wineries. The programme is based on continuous improvement and adherence to standards that reflect seven ‘pillars’ as key areas of focus: biodiversity; soil, water and air; energy; chemicals; by-products; people; and business practices.

About WiSE
WiSE uses software called SoFi developed by PE International which was awarded ‘Top Product of the Year 2014’ by Environmental Leader a leading environmental, energy and sustainability website. This core sustainability software is used internationally in industries ranging from Construction to Manufacturing. New Zealand Winegrowers has customised the software to ensure the specific needs of the New Zealand wine industry are met.

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