Yealands Estate wins 2012 Green Ribbon Award

Yealands Estate was last night recognised as the industry leader in sustainability, winning the ‘Green Economy’ section at the Ministry for the Environment’s 2012 Green Ribbon Awards.

This award recognises businesses that use green technology and innovation to either contribute to better economic performance, add value to the New Zealand export industry, or enable businesses to move towards a low carbon economy.

“This award acknowledges that New Zealand’s growth depends on the entrepreneurship and innovation of our businesses, environmental-best practice is central to achieving that,” says Yealands Estate owner and founder, Peter Yealands.

Yealands Estate has pioneered a range of green initiatives within the winery and vineyard, including solar panels and insulation, harvesting storm water to irrigate the vineyards around the winery, harnessing vine prunings and wind-power to deliver power to the winery and reduce fuel usage and developing more than 25 wetland areas to preserve native species and attract native birds.

“We are continually working towards our goal to become a global leader in sustainable wine production. We’re excited by the recognition of our efforts to-date and continue to innovate as we look towards an even more exciting future.”

The Green Ribbon Awards recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals, organisations, businesses and communities to protecting and enhancing New Zealand's environment. The 2012 awards had more than 208 entries this year, an increase of 68 on last year.

Assessed by a panel of judges, the awards are graded on how nominees measure against the following criteria; significant environmental benefit, measurability, innovation, awareness and education and going the extra mile.

The awards were announced last night by Environment Minister Amy Adams, at an awards ceremony at the Parliament Buildings, Wellington.