Jackson Family Wines
At a Glance
Industry
Consumer Packaged Goods
Project Types
Clean and Renewable Energy, Industrial Energy Efficiency, Sustainability and Energy Management Strategy
Year
2024
Location
Santa Rosa, CA
Summary
Duncan Burns' fellowship at Jackson Family Wines led to the identification of nearly $1.7 million in annual utility savings through energy efficiency improvements and increased use of renewable sources, supporting the company's goal of halving its carbon footprint by 2030.
Goals
Jackson Family Wines (JFW), a multi-generational family-owned company committed to sustainability and climate action in their vineyards and wineries, faces rising utility costs, energy procurement complexity, and an increasing number of wildfires. Despite these challenges, JFW remains dedicated to cutting its carbon footprint in half by 2030. To support this goal, EDF Climate Corps fellow Duncan Burns was brought in to identify cost-effective energy efficiency measures, uncover savings opportunities, and develop long-term strategies that balance carbon-free goals with economic constraints.
Solutions
Working closely with the Sustainability team, Duncan Burns began by navigating the complexity of energy bills from over 350 electric meters and 26 solar arrays. He reviewed past energy audits and research to gather insights. Armed with the data, he conducted site visits to identify energy-saving opportunities and collaborated with staff about ongoing efficiency projects. Duncan discovered immediate savings in refrigeration systems, solar arrays, and wastewater pond aerators. He also found cost-saving opportunities by optimizing utility rate schedules, improving energy monitoring, and shifting energy usage. Duncan even oversaw a trial using wine in storage facilities as a thermal battery to reduce costs and better utilize solar energy.
Potential Impact
Duncan identified opportunities for nearly $1.7 million in annual utility savings. These savings will result from projects that reduce overall energy usage and increase the percentage of energy that comes from renewable sources. These projects will also improve Jackson Family Wines resiliency and its ability to respond to the changing climate. By achieving these cost reductions, Jackson Family Wines can continue investing in clean energy projects and advance its goal of halving its carbon footprint by 2030.