Michael Back receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Michael Back of the Backsberg Estate

The Drinks Business Green Awards is the world's largest programme to raise awareness of green issues in the drinks trade and recognise and reward those who are leading the way in sustainability and environmental performance. This global award recognises Back's lifetime contribution to the environment, sustainability, ethical practices and education.

Backsberg is an award-winning winery based near Paarl in the Western Cape. Back joined his father, Sydney, at the farm in 1976, after graduating in Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University. With a reputation as a maverick in the South African wine industry, Back is well-known for challenging conventions in terms of environmental action and sustainability. He is also well respected for his community work and passion for social responsibility.

Reducing emissions

Backsberg was also received The Amorim Green Award for its ongoing work in core sustainability areas. In 2006, Backsberg became the first Carbon Neutral Winery in South Africa and third in the world. The focus on the farm for the last decade has been on reducing the emissions impact through reduction in fuel and electricity usage. At the same time, Backsberg initiated an environmental impact study and has made sustainability core to the business.

Going forward Backsberg has started to put in place an ambitious plan to become fully energy and fuel self-sufficient. The farm has started to develop biomass energy crops and commissioned plant and equipment to generate electricity and fuel for vehicles and tractors.