HVE label, what is it?
The HVE label, which stands for Haute Valeur Environnementale (high environmental value), is an environmental certification introduced in 2012, and is awarded to farms that comply with a number of environmental requirements. Winegrowing operations are the most concerned by this label; the majority to hold the certification are winegrowers. Guillon-painturaud estate has held this label for several years now.
The HVE label is perfectly in line with a farm's CSR approach. It guarantees a company's commitment to social and environmental responsibility. The overall aim is to promote environmentally-friendly production practices, and thus to offer products with low environmental impact.
Rules for obtaining the HVE label
To obtain this environmental certification, the farmer must implement practices that respect the environment and minimize as far as possible his environmental impact through his production activity. The label also concerns biodiversity: the farm must have natural areas that encourage biodiversity. On our estate, we leave 1 out of every 2 rows of vines grassed to attract biodiversity! (Find out more about our philosophy)
The label is awarded by independent bodies and is based on 4 different themes:
- Preserving biodiversity
- Phytosanitary strategy
- Fertilization management
- Water management
To obtain certification, it is essential to commit to and implement actions based on these different themes. Certification is validated only if all 4 themes are met.
To keep the label, you have to go through audits every 18 months or so, where a large number of indicators are closely scrutinized.
The different levels of environmental certification
There are also several levels of certification:
- Level 1: the farm commits to essential environmental practices
- Level 2: achieved if the operator complies with a certain number of environmental rules
- Level 3: guarantees the farm's environmental performance, the presence of a high level of biodiversity and perfect control of fertilization and resources.
To obtain the HVE label, you need to reach level 3.
Here at the Guillon-Painturaud estate, all pineau and cognac are labelled “Haute Valeur Environnementale” (High Environmental Value), proof of environmentally-friendly products. Discover our range!
