Environmental Performance of a Portuguese Winery

Abstract

The wine industry is highly relevant to the Portuguese economy because of its exportation capacity, contributing positively to the national trade balance. The environmental and sustainable development concerns of these businesses are growing and now are seen as key areas for competitiveness in this sector. This study addresses the environmental performance of a winery, in order to identify significant environmental aspects, assess legal compliance, leading to the definition of strategies and actions that can foster performance improvements. Eco-efficiency indicators were also applied to support the establishment of objectives and targets aiming the savings of energy, water, and raw-materials, and cumulatively, reducing the production of wastes and noise. After the identification of the environmental aspects and impacts, and the application of a method for establishing its relevance, it was possible to identify the significant environmental aspects of this company, such as the consumption of water and electricity, the use of containers in glass and card, the wastewater and the utilization of hydrofluorocarbons in the refrigeration system. Finally several actions were proposed to promote the improvement of this organizations environmental performance, included in an Environmental Management Program.