The signs are all around me as I settle in my treehouse room at The Source at Sula. There are glass bottles filled with drinking water on the table. A note in the bathroom requests guests to use the towels more than once. And there is no plastic lining in the bin when I look around to throw my used teabag.
Words: Deepali Singh
One usually visits Sula Vineyards in Nashik, Maharashtra, to indulge in their beautiful wines and to stay in their comfortable and luxurious properties, Beyond by Sula or The Source at Sula. After all, it is one of the most visited wineries in the world. But what’s particularly worth appreciating are their efforts to be sustainable along with being a financially viable business. By putting in sustainable practices in place, the wine giant hopes to become Asia’s most sustainable winery by 2021. (TMM)
Initiatives for change
Climate change is real and its impact is being felt in almost all parts of the world. In India too, erratic rainfall, hotter summers, and shorter winters have long-term effects on crippling economic activity and endangering lives. Unfortunately, not everyone is paying attention to the need of the hour – sustainable practices. However, at Sula Vineyards, it’s a different scenario. Electricity and water being the primary causes of concern, the winery has put in a lot of time and effort into creating and maintaining systems that take care of the environment while getting the work done. The solar panels placed at various locations ensure that almost 49 percent of the energy consumed at Sula comes from solar methods. Motion sensors in a couple of areas switch off the electricity when no one is in the vicinity.
When it comes to water, Karan Vasani, Chief Winemaker, Senior Vice President – Vineyard and Winery Operations, says that the most important thing is to conserve freshwater. At Sula, they generate 40 million liters of wastewater which is re-used in its entirety. They also use drip irrigation at their vineyards to reduce water consumption by 30 to 40 percent. Effluent treatment plans and rainwater harvesting infrastructure drive this initiative. Ultimately, says Karan, it is the people who drive the change. “It all comes down from Rajeev Samant, our Founder, and CEO, who is so passionate about a sustainable future. Over a number of years, his message has got drilled into everyone working here at Sula,” he adds.
Small things that add up
Many a little makes a mickle. At Sula, they believe that it’s even the smallest of things that go towards building a sustainable future. Whether it’s the use of eco-friendly soaps in staff toilets or making tables out of wine barrels and having a paper-free administration, every little step contributes to a bigger goal. “We encourage our staff to carpool. They are also advised on tasks they can avoid doing during 6 pm and 10 pm so we can save electricity,” says Monit Dhavale, Sr Vice President – Hospitality. If one pays even a little attention, one can notice the many, many small details and initiatives that the winery has taken for a greener future.
At the end of the day, when I take a walk around the lush green surroundings and breathe in the crispy, clean air, I realize that being a financially viable business while being sustainable doesn’t have to be two different things. At Sula Vineyards, that’s the belief they have set out with. And the wonderful thing is, they are trudging on. A few months ago, the brand planted 5000 healthy saplings over 11 acres of land in Vasadi village. Says Rajeev, “Our journey towards a greener future will include many more tree plantation drives, moving to even more solar energy and reducing our water consumption.” And if all goes according to plan, their dream of becoming Asia’s most sustainable winery by 2021, will certainly come true.
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