The 2021 Sustainability Awards (‘Premios SOStenibilidad 2021‘) recognize those companies, professionals and organizations that uphold the values of sustainable development and carry out initiatives that promote a Sustainable Ecological transition.
This initiative was born out of the desire – on the part of newspaper EL CORREO, financial institution BBVA, and Aclima (Cluster Association of Environmental Industries of the Basque Country) – to award those business projects that have the most positive impact on the environment.
The main objective of these awards is to stimulate the innovation, consolidation and dissemination of environmental projects, with special attention paid to their social impact, and in line with defined Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at promoting fair economic growth. As the organizers of the awards explain, they believe that every project, large or small, that helps the Basque Country overcome environmental challenges deserves to be in the spotlight and to receive acclaim and appreciation.
To that end, these awards have been divided into three categories:
– Sustainable business innovation: this award is given to an innovative, economically viable and competitive business project with an acknowledged impact on environmental improvement.
– Leader in sustainability: this award is given to a company or professional that demonstrates the systematic integration of environmental criteria in their business project as a driver of competitiveness.
– Commitment to sustainable development goals: this award is given to a company or professional that works in line with defined Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promotes sustainable economic growth.
Bodegas Ostatu, leader in sustainability
Years ago, Bodegas Ostatu began on a path towards a respectful, ecological and regenerative viticulture, with the aim of improving the organic diversity and balance of the soils of its vineyards necessary for a balanced cultivation which, in turn, improves agricultural ecosystems, propitiates pollination and facilitates pest control and maintenance of soil structures, such as carbon sinks.
This ecological commitment has been part of the DNA of Bodegas Ostatu since the 1980s, when they eliminated the use of chemical fertilizers and bet on the grafting of minority varieties that were disappearing. And, in the last 15 years, with the incorporation of a new generation to the winery, the measures taken in this regard have intensified, positioning Ostatu at the confluence of tradition and evolution, respectful towards traditional practices and informed by a respectful vision of their future relationship with the environment.
Along these lines, as a result of a series of initiatives and investments in biomass air conditioning, the use of photovoltaic panels, the reduction in the weight of the bottles and the use of recycled raw materials, they have achieved a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions per bottle (direct and indirectly) over the last 9 years.
And, with their “ViñaDiversidad” project, Bodegas Ostatu has gone even further: they have successfully implemented measures in their ecological vineyards that allow them to study and promote biodiversity and improve the structure of the soils as a means of achieving a more balanced production and a responsible and safe cultivation of the highest quality grapes.
The climate emergency
Ecological viticulture is a positive step in the right direction, but, given the climate emergency in which we find ourselves, more needs to be done. That is why, Bodegas Ostatu obtained the Carbon Neutral Certification in 2012. Since then, they have worked tirelessly not only to reduce CO2 emissions, but also to recover soil, something that directly contributes to the earth’s ability to fix atmospheric carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Education with an eye on the future
Another reason Bodegas Ostatu has earned this prestigious recognition as a leader in sustainability is the way in which it has involved various agents of the value chain in its project, having them participate in these practices and giving them the opportunity to gain first-hand experience and learn more about their impact on the improvement of diversity, soils, and grape quality.
This involvement begins with the winery’s historic winegrowers and extends to those involved in distribution, with the aim of generating and promoting new trends in more responsible consumption. Part of this effort included the launch of an interesting survey designed to learn more about the perceptions individual wine consumers have regarding the environmental commitments and co-responsibilities belonging to wine producers.
A unique land
The Bodegas Ostatu vineyards are at the heart of the Rioja and Rioja Alavesa Wine and Vineyard Countryside, a region which is a candidate for inclusion in the Unesco World Heritage list, one more reason to recognize the value of respect for and conservation of the environment and biodiversity. Being social responsible is certainly important, but we cannot overlook the great social and economic relevance this countryside holds for the territory.
