AN AWARD-winning Stourport vineyard has been able to transform its sustainable business practices, cut costs and reduce its carbon footprint, thanks to support from Worcestershire County Council.
Astley Vineyard was able to replace its air-conditioning units with a more efficient modern model. And it has installed solar panels in its wine warehouse, lowering its electricity bill.
Implementing recommendations from its free energy-saving review has also meant it has raised its electrical equipment and machinery to a grade of ‘A’ or ‘B’.
Coun Emma Stokes, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, said: “Supporting businesses in implementing low carbon practices can enable them to cut their carbon emissions whilst saving on energy costs.
“Astley Vineyard is a perfect example of how our business support grants can fuel innovation whilst enabling businesses to take on more sustainable practices.
“We are dedicated to investing in our county’s infrastructure and I would encourage all Worcestershire businesses to look into the grants that we have on offer.”
‘Energy saving assessment was key’
The free energy saving assessment it received has helped the business to reduce its carbon emissions as well as save on their energy bills.
Tim Haywood, owner of Astley Vineyard, said: “Astley Vineyard’s energy costs have been transformed following support from Worcestershire County Council.
“We commissioned a free energy audit in 2022, and this identified the best action we could take was the installation of solar panels on top of our two warehouses.
“Funding from the council was vital to making this happen.
“Together, with changes in our behaviours around energy usage, we have lowered our electricity bills in 2024 to less than half of those in 2022.
“The payback period for our investment will be much shorter than we anticipated.
“Overall, we are delighted!”
Businesses across the county can visit: worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/business/business-support-and-grants to find out more about Worcestershire Council’s business support programmes.
