Sustainable Wineries for Climate Protection (SWfCP)

What is SWfCP?

Sustainable Wineries for Climate Protection (SWfCP) is a certification scheme developed by the Spanish Wine Federation (FEV) that defines the criteria a sustainable winery should meet regarding the environment, governance, social, and economic aspects. Wineries that meet these criteria can request verification from Applus+, as it is an accredited entity to carry out this process.

SWfCP is the only specific standard for wineries aimed at reducing the environmental and socio-economic impact, as well as governance in the wine sector. The verification focuses on key areas of sustainability while promoting responsible practices and efficient resource use, contributing to climate change mitigation.

This scheme is recognised by the Ministry of Agriculture and allows wineries to directly obtain the seal of the National Carbon Footprint Registry.

Sustainable Wineries for Climate Protection (SWfCP) is oriented towards continuous improvement in four phases:

• Plan: Establish a reduction plan.
• Do: Implement reduction actions.
• Check: Measure the impact of the implemented actions.
• Act: Take action on those measures whose impact is not as expected.

Although there are numerous indicators to measure environmental sustainability, the SWfCP certification verifies commitment in relation to four key dimensions: environmental, social, economic, and governance.

SWfCP is a scheme based on a scoring system that requires a process of continuous improvement within organisations and a biennial renewal.

Benefits of SWfCP Verification

Obtaining SWfCP verification provides companies with:

• Strengthening the winery’s image as a responsible and sustainable business, enhancing its reputation among consumers and distributors.
• The ability to use a seal that certifies them as a sustainable supplier to customers, buyers, consumers, and other stakeholders in the wine value chain.
• Demonstrating the winery’s commitment to climate protection and sustainability.
• Reducing operational costs and improving profitability by optimising the use of resources such as energy and water.
• Encouraging continuous improvement through periodic audits and updates to sustainability policies.
• Contributing to global commitments on emission reduction and sustainability, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Facilitating access to national and international markets that value eco-friendly and sustainable products, increasing business opportunities.
• Providing a competitive advantage in the market.

Who is this certification for?

SWfCP may be of particular interest to:

• Wineries of all sizes interested in measuring and communicating their sustainability progress.
• Wine exporters seeking access to international markets that require ESG certifications.
• Wine distributors and marketers committed to promoting sustainable products.
• Winemaking cooperatives looking to optimise their processes and promote sustainability among their members.
• Organic vineyards that attract tourists interested in sustainability, who can use the certification as a differentiating factor in their visits and wine tourism experiences.
• Boutique and premium wineries, which typically focus on quality and exclusivity and aim to differentiate themselves by offering sustainable and environmentally friendly products.

Why certify SWfCP with Applus+ Certification?

Verifying Sustainable Wineries for Climate Protection (SWfCP) with Applus+ ensures international recognition, transparency, and rigorous verification of sustainable practices.

The certification strengthens the winery’s reputation as a responsible and sustainable business, enhances its competitiveness in international markets that value eco-friendly products, and meets strict criteria for impartiality, independence, integrity, confidentiality, objectivity, and technical competence.