Green-e? Renewable Energy Standard for Chile Launches with Vi?a Concha y Toro Collaboration

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (APRIL 16, 2018)—San Francisco–based NGO Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) is developing a new standard for certifying the sale and use of green power in Chile through its market-leading Green-e® certification program. During the development of the new Green-e® Renewable Energy Standard for Chile, Green-e will conduct a pilot certification process with Chile-based Viña Concha y Toro, one of the world's largest wine producers. CRS will work with Viña Concha y Toro to verify its renewable energy procurement according to the Green-e® Framework for Renewable Energy Certification and a forthcoming stakeholder-driven Standard specifically developed for the Chilean market. If successful, this will enable Viña Concha y Toro's wines to be vinted and bottled using 100% Green-e® certified renewable energy. The new Standard will address the strong demand for third-party oversight of clean energy use from both multinational and local Chilean companies, as well as establish guidance for consistent, credible, and impactful renewable energy purchasing options that will help spur market development in Chile. This Standard will provide Chile-specific requirements for renewable energy transactions that occur through green power offerings, tradable certificate products, direct power purchase agreements (PPAs), and onsite generation. “As one of the most environmentally conscious global companies in Chile, Viña Concha y Toro is excited to partner with CRS on the launch of the new Green-e Standard for Chile,” said Valentina Lira, Sustainability Manager of Viña Concha y Toro. “By following standards for clean energy generation and use, Chilean companies like ours can switch to clean energy with confidence that their purchases are real and making an impact, and most of all, our consumers will be more aware of the sustainable attributes of our wines.” Drawing on over two decades of success operating the Green-e Energy program for North America, CRS will develop the new standard according to internationally accepted best practices, including transparent open-stakeholder processes. Information about the development process of the Green-e Renewable Energy Standard for Chile is available on the Green-e website at www.green-e.org/chile, where interested parties can also sign up to receive updates and announcements. “Chile is a strong supporter of market-driven solutions, and we are pleased to help advance sustainable energy in the country through our efforts” said CRS Executive Director Jennifer Martin. “The Green-e Renewable Energy Standard for Chile will build upon the successful track record of the Green-e certification programs in North America and accelerate the availability and credibility of voluntary renewable energy procurement. Forward-thinking companies like Viña Concha y Toro are increasingly taking leadership roles in the global response to climate change, and we look forward to supporting the impact of their ongoing sustainability efforts in Chile.” CRS expects to release a draft Standard in mid-2018 and begin certification of renewable electricity transactions in Chile following the completion of stakeholder comment periods and publication of the Standard. The new Standard will define impactful renewable energy sourcing and allow for access to trusted, independent, third-party certification of renewable energy commitments. The Standard will allow purchasers to harmonize their global procurement efforts and reduce risk, ensure unique ownership claims, and drive forward the local Chilean market for high-quality and impact-focused renewable energy. Green-e Energy is the world's leading certification program for renewable electricity transaction and consumption. Green-e creates the standard for and provides third-party oversight of voluntary renewable energy procurement and sales, certifying more than half of all retail voluntary renewable energy sales in the United States. Green-e has been instrumental in developing a thriving voluntary renewable energy market that has seen impressive annual growth for more than a decade. About Viña Concha y Toro Viña Concha y Toro is the largest wine company in Chile and Latin America, the fifth-largest company in the world in terms of volume sold, and the second-largest in planted vineyards. Its successful business model, accompanied by its persistent efforts in innovation and sustainable development, have enabled it to grow and expand its presence to more than 140 countries, leading it to be a globally recognized and admired company. Viña Concha y Toro was founded in 1883 and currently has more than 11,000 hectares of vineyards in Chile, Argentina, and the United States. Its wine portfolio includes icons such as Don Melchor and Almaviva, its emblematic Casillero del Diablo brand, as well as Trivento wines from Argentina, and Fetzer and Bonterra from California. The company has nearly 3,500 employees, and its head offices are located in Santiago, Chile. About Green-e and Center for Resource Solutions A program of the nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions, Green-e is the world's leading independent consumer protection program for the sale of renewable energy and greenhouse gas reductions in the retail market. Green-e offers certification and verification services through Green-e Energy, a renewable energy certification program; Green-e Climate, a greenhouse gas emission reduction certification program; and Green-e Marketplace, a program that provides forward-thinking organizations a simple, internationally recognized logo they can use to communicate their renewable energy and climate commitment to their customers and stakeholders. To learn more about Green-e Certified products and programs available in all 50 states, Canada, and Singapore visit www.green-e.org.