Fosters' Group Limited (Foster's) has entered into an agreement with SolarNet, Inc. and The Bright Group Inc. to host solar energy generating systems at six Californian wineries - Beringer Vineyards, Asti Winery, Chateau St. Jean, Etude, Stags' Leap Winery, and Meridian Vineyards.
SolarNet will progressively install solar panels to the roofs of these properties at the wineries over the next six months.
When fully operational, the systems will generate 3.4 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year, equivalent to 17% of the energy used at the six sites. This equates to a saving of 6.2 million pounds of CO2 emissions per year, or the equivalent of taking 549 passenger cars off the road for a year.
"At Foster's Wine Estates, our commitment to quality wines begins in our vineyards and carries through our winemaking activities. Threaded through this core of quality, we have a strongly-held sense of responsibility to our environment and the natural resources that help us produce world class wines," said Scott Weiss Foster's Americas Managing Director.
"Supporting renewable energy by hosting this solar energy system is a fantastic win-win for the business and the environment and once again puts sustainability principles into practice", Scott said.
Foster's has a group commitment to reduce energy use by 10% per unit of production by 2011, over 2007 levels.
For further information on Foster's sustainability commitments and performance visit: www.fostersgroup.com/sustainability.
Further Information
Media Investors
Foster's Americas: Chris Knorr
Allison Simpson Tel: +61 3 9633 2685
Ph: (707) 259-4560 Mob: +61 417 033 623
Foster's Group
Troy Hey
Tel: +61 3 9633 2085
Mob: +61 409 709 126
