At González Byass we are firmly committed to sustainability. A commitment that includes the five generations of the family who have led the company to the present day and the next five who will continue with the mission. Forward-looking actions today.
5+5 Caring for the Planet
1. We care for the land we work
We have more than 2,000 hectares under vine in nine different wine-growing regions of Spain, Chile and Mexico, where we deploy sustainable agriculture techniques and use biological plant health treatment products. We are also bringing grape varieties that are indigenous to each area back into production, whilst protecting the flora and fauna that live there.
2. We care for the planet and the air we breathe
In 2021, 16% of the energy used in our wineries will come from renewable sources and that will rise every year as the wineries roll out their sustainability plans. The remaining energy is acquired from suppliers that are certified as using renewable sources. We have installed solar panels, biomass boilers and geothermal and aerothermal systems as well as implementing energy efficiency measures to reduce energy consumption as much as possible.
3. We care for water
One of our aims is to achieve savings in our use of water, and to this end we use deficit irrigation techniques. In the wineries, we have closed water circuits to prevent losses and, where possible, the roof of the winery is used to collect rainwater to use for maintenance purposes.
4. We work to do more
We want all our suppliers to be involved in this project. We send them our sustainability target list and carry out an annual assessment of how sustainable they are, then send them the results to inspire them to carry on developing in this area. Right now, 75% of our suppliers are sustainable but our aspiration is for this number to rise year on year as we work with them, especially in the field of innovation, where the many contributions they make help us improve the sustainability of our products overall.
5. We work to be better
We are constantly seeking to improve our processes, staff and surroundings. Back in 1955, Mauricio González-Gordon Díez founded Cidima (Quality, Research, Development and the Environment), the first in-company research centre in Spain.
Proyectos 5+5
Sustainability
Viñas del Vero boosts its commitment to the planet with study of Pyrenean glacier
The winery has helped with the installation of a number of sensors in the rocky Cotiella glacier in Alto Aragón (Huesca), to find out whether it is still active. The work was part of the “Vidas” (“Lives”) initiative, whereby Viñas del Vero is helping build a better world by supporting specific projects that are driven by a clear commitment to the environment and are designed to preserve and restore the health of the planet.
Viñas del Vero and Bodega Las Copas Take part in Gophytovid Project
GOPHYTOVID has presented the results achieved following two years of work centred on optimizing the use of plant health products in viticulture based on maps that show the vigour of the plants’ growth. Viñas del Vero and Bodega Las Copas are two of the wineries that have taken part in the project, which has achieved a proven reduction in the consumption of phytosanitary products in conventional viticulture.
González Byass collaborates in Doñana reforestation
In the Christmas cards it sent out, the Jerez-based Wine Family suggested to Instagram, Facebook and Twitter users that they post about themselves enjoying the Family’s wines with the hashtag “Vinoenfamilia”. The initiative was designed to help restore the areas of the Doñana Nature Area that have been damaged by fire.
“5+5 Looking after the Planet” by González Byass, an example of action #PorElClima
González Byass’ “5+5 Looking after the Planet” sustainability plan is one of the 101 climate initiatives that the #PorElClima (ForClimateChange) Community has singled out for its innovation, support and commitment to the cause.
The Somontano D.O.’s leading winery has installed a semi-fast electric vehicle charge point that will be free to use for employees, customers and wine tourists. The aim is to raise awareness of the need to embrace sustainable habits.