EPI Group’s Piper-Heidsieck, Charles Heidsieck & Rare Champagnes have achieved B Corp certification, with a score of 91.9 points from B Lab.
The non-profit B Lab network, which was established in 2006, recognises companies which meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.
Through the rating, EPI Group said the three Champagne houses are strengthening their commitment to social and environmental practices.
“This represents a crucial step in the reinvention of their practices towards a positive and purpose-driven business model,” EPI Group stated.
“B Corp certification is one of the most demanding to obtain… it does not just assess a product or service. It assesses the overall positive impact of the company that supports it and engages it in a process of continuous improvement.”
Damien Lafaurie, President & CEO of Champagnes Piper-Heidsieck, Charles Heidsieck & Rare,
as well as the Wine and Champagne division of EPI Group, said: “We are very proud to join this community of pioneers who are driving a global movement of people using business as a force for good and transforming the global economy for the benefit of all individuals, communities as well as the planet.
“We are honoured to be the first producers in Champagne to achieve Certified B Corporation status and are fully committed to B Lab’s vision of working towards an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economic system. We hope to inspire others in the wine industry to join the cause.”
Lafaurie underlined the work done by the Piper-Heidsieck, Charles Heidsieck and Rare teams to reach the standards required for B Corp certification.
“My hope is that our particular approach will stimulate collective initiatives within the Champagne appellation concerning both social and environmental issues,” he added.
Initiatives taken by the Houses to achieve B Corp certification include:
- Integrating a purpose in the status of the company to create a material positive impact on society and the environment
- Reducing the carbon footprint in line with the Paris climate agreement by 2030 by joining the Science-Based Targets initiative and achieving net-zero carbon well before 2050
- Launching a drastic energy saving programme (-40% by 2025), eliminating the use of fossil fuels in production activities, and using 100% renewable electricity
- Moving 100% of suppliers to Europe by 2030
- Continuing sustainable environmental practices in their owned vineyards. The Houses do not use herbicides, pesticides or chemicals to treat rot. They also advocate the use of organic amendments, vitiforestry and initiatives that promote biodiversity in the vineyards.
- Supporting the VDC (Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne) conversion of all winegrower partners by 2025
- Introducing sustainable development objectives for every employee to accelerate the spread of best practices in all sectors and at all levels of the company
- A continued commitment to gender parity at every level of the organisation
- Encouraging a wide variety of employees by focusing on inclusion as well as the hiring of young talent from diverse backgrounds.
