CARING FOR OUR PLANET
We are committed to environmental sustainability, seeking to ensure that we actively reduce our environmental footprint while driving business growth.
AMPLIFYING OUR EFFORTS THROUGH CERTIFICATIONS AND PROGRAMS
We understand that much of what we do to advance sustainability can be amplified through our conservation and sustainability certifications and our participation in industry programs, which share a wide range of best practices and help us measure progress.
INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS
Enhancing Our Sustainability Rigor Through Certification
Biodiversity Friend Certification
“Biodiversity Friend” is a standard certification developed in 2010 by World Biodiversity Association to evaluate biodiversity and promote its conservation in agriculture. The procedure to obtain the certification considers the environmental impacts of the agricultural activities on the agrosystem and the biodiversity and suggests operational strategies to improve the environmental quality of the agriculture areas. Our Ruffino Group in Italy is certified under the Biodiversity Friend Certification.
Certified california sustainable winegrowing
All of our California wineries and vineyards are proud to be certified as part of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance third-party Certification Program. The program is based on 227 best management practices and 58 prerequisites covering environmental practices and socially equitable business practices. The goals of the program are to enhance transparency, encourage statewide participation and advance the entire California wine industry toward best practices in environmental stewardship, conservation of resources and socially equitable business practices.
Fish friendly farming
Fish Friendly Farming is a certification program for agricultural properties managed to restore fish and wildlife habitat and improve water quality. More than 1,300 acres of Constellation vineyards in Napa and Sonoma counties are certified in the Fish Friendly Farming program. The third-party certification is provided by the California Department of Fish and Game, regional water boards, and the National Marine Fisheries Service.
Environmental management system
ISO 14001 is the world’s most recognized framework for environmental management systems. Earning certification to this standard highlights a facility’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. Achievement of the ISO 14001 certification requires that a company have a culture of environmental responsibility, and a commitment to reducing its potential impact on the environment. Our Ruffino group facilities (Ruffino Srl and Tenute Ruffino Srl Società Agricola, situated in Tuscany and Poderi Ducali Srl Società Agricola in the Veneto Region (North of Italy)) are certified under ISO 14001:2015.
Napa green
Napa Green is a voluntary program focused on independently certified, environmentally sound farming and production methods that meet and exceed local, federal and state “best practices.” “Napa Valley vintners and growers develop farm-specific plans tailored to protect and enhance the ecological quality of the region. The Napa Green programs are open to all Napa County vintners and grape growers.” There are two certification programs: Napa Green Certified Land and Napa Green Certified Winery. Robert Mondavi Winery and The Prisoner Wine Company are certified under Napa Green Certified Winery certification.
Leading harvest
Leading Harvest is a nonprofit organization committed to increasing the adoption of sustainability practices in agriculture for all stakeholders across the agricultural value chain. The organization provides assurance programs comprised of standards, audit procedures, training and education, and reporting and claim offerings that are optimized for flexibility, scalability, and impact.
SQNPI
The National Quality System of Integrated Production (SQNPI) in Italy is aimed at the enhancement of agricultural and agri-food production. It provides for the certification of an integrated production process that combines good agronomic practices with a sustainable use of fertilizers and phytosanitary products, to meet the dual goals of strong agricultural practices and low environmental impact. Our Ruffino Group is certified under the SQNPI Certification.
New zealand sustainable winegrowing
All of our wineries in New Zealand are proud to be members of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, an industry group established in 1995. Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand provides members with environmental best practices for the vineyard and the winery, an external audit structure, and much more. The group also addresses consumer concerns about the environmental impacts of the products its members produce.
INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS
Driving Improvement Through Collaborative Industry Programs
Beverage Industry
Constellation Brands is a member of the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER), a technical coalition of leading global beverage companies working together to advance environmental sustainability within the beverage sector. Through BIER, we work with other members to monitor and inform the development of climate change policy initiatives and work to ensure policy compliance through common guidance for calculating, tracking, and reporting sustainability impacts such as water security within the beverage sector. Our participation enables us to provide our industry’s unique perspective on water stewardship and climate change issues, while working collaboratively to develop best practices and industry guidance. Our Corporate Environmental Sustainability manager serves as a Member Chair in BIER.
Distilled spirits council
DISCUS is the national trade association representing leading producers and marketers of distilled spirits products in the United States. Over the years, DISCUS has served as the distillers’ voice on policy and legislative issues in the United States’ capital, state capitals and foreign capitals worldwide. DISCUS sustainability strategies include land stewardship, responsible water use, energy reduction, Circular Material Syncing, waste reduction and evaluating transport burdens. Our Corporate Environmental Sustainability manager is a member of the DISCUS Environmental Sustainability Committee.
International wineries for climate action
International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) is a collaborative working group of environmentally committed wineries focused on a science-based approach to reducing carbon emissions across the wine industry. Constellation Brands Fine Wine (U.S.), a member of IWCA, is comprised of four key wineries producing several iconic and well-known brands including Robert Mondavi, The Prisoner, To Kalon Wine Company and Schrader, to name a few.
Tennessee
Tennessee Sustainable Spirits (“Sustainable Spirits”) is a voluntary recognition and technical assistance program administered by The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Office of Policy and Sustainable Practices. The program seeks to reduce operational costs and environmental impacts for wineries and wine growers, breweries, and distilleries as well as serve as a gateway to sustainability education through popular brands. It assists wineries and wine growers, breweries, and distilleries in improving operational sustainability by promoting best practices, providing technical assistance, and developing relationships. Our Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery is a member.
California Water Action Collaborative
Wine institute
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Enhancing economic development and prosperity in the communities where we operate.
RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION
Advocating for the responsible consumption of beverage alcohol products to help ensure the continued safety of our consumers.