Rathfinny Wine Estate in Alfriston, East Sussex is partnering with Brighton Energy Co-op (BEC) to provide 1500 community-owned solar panels on the roofs of the winery. The project will save 400 tons of carbon each year – and support Rathfinny’s application to gain the prestigious B-Corp status.
B Corp status is a certification of social and environmental performance. To become a B Corp companies are required to incorporate social and environmental objectives into governing documents; well-known brands such as Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s, Nespresso and The Body Shop have all been certified as B Corps.
BEC’s community-led approach to renewable energy is a great match with Rathfinny’s sustainable ethos and their low intervention, traditional vineyard methods. Rathfinny grape vines need no watering, as the chalk base layer acts as a sponge for the roots. And by providing the equivalent of 90 full-time jobs the estate is a valuable employer in the local economy.
A family-owned Wine Estate, established in 2010 by Mark and Sarah Driver, dedicated to producing some of the world’s finest vintage sparkling wines from a perfect site in Sussex. Located on a south-facing slope in England’s South Downs, the climate, chalk soil and aspect make it the perfect site for producing lots of community solar energy and wines Sussex can be proud of. You can play a part in building these community-owned renewables by joining Brighton Energy Co-op through their share offer open until 1st Nov.
You can see all BEC’s projects here, check out full details of the project here, and you can join BEC here.
It’s important for businesses to take responsibility for their actions and tackle climate change, by joining BEC you can be a part of the community energy revolution – join BEC here.
BEC’s Matt Brown, Rathfinny owners Sarah & Mark Driver and Chief Operations Officer Jamie Everett
