Analysis of environmental management systems in New Zealand wineries

Abstract

Purpose: This paper discusses the use of formal environmental management systems (EMSs) in wineries. It reports on the utilisation of EMSs amongst New Zealand wineries and explores the environmental, social and economic benefits gained through the implementation of one or more EMSs. Design/methodology/approach: Wineries which had implemented the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) programme were surveyed in order to evaluate their environmental performance and the benefits received from implementing SWNZ and any additional EMSs. Findings: Almost half of the responding SWNZ wineries had also implemented additional EMSs, suggesting that a single EMS may not be sufficient to meet all environmental or sustainability needs. In addition, the findings suggest that wineries with multiple EMSs have better environmental performance than wineries with a single EMS, and few non-environmental benefits are gained by implementing an EMS.