Champagne Houses Slash Carbon Emissions by 34% as B Corp Score Jumps to 102.6

Piper-Heidsieck, Charles Heidsieck, and Rare Champagne, three prominent Champagne houses under the EPI Group, have renewed their B Corp certification with a score of 102.6 points. This marks a significant increase from their previous score of 91.9 in 2022. The announcement was made by the EPI Group, which is led by Damien Lafaurie and owned by the Descours family. The renewed certification highlights the group’s ongoing commitment to social and environmental responsibility within the Champagne industry.

The B Corp certification is an international standard that recognizes companies for meeting high levels of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. The three Champagne houses first achieved this certification in 2022, joining a global movement that now includes more than 10,000 companies worldwide. In France alone, there are 570 B Corp certified businesses.

Since their initial certification, Piper-Heidsieck, Charles Heidsieck, and Rare Champagne have implemented several initiatives to improve their environmental and social impact. Between 2019 and 2023, they achieved a 34% reduction in carbon emissions from direct operations (Scopes 1 and 2), a 70% reduction in upstream transport emissions, and a 25% reduction in business travel emissions (Scope 3). The group also reported a 33% decrease in electricity consumption by 2024 compared to 2019.

In terms of sustainable sourcing, the Champagne houses have increased their use of certified Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne (VDC) grapes fourfold between 2019 and 2024. This allowed Piper-Heidsieck to produce its first cuvée made entirely from certified VDC grapes. Efforts to preserve biodiversity include eliminating herbicides since 2021, planting hedgerows and trees, using cover crops, and creating habitats for local wildlife.

The group has also focused on responsible sourcing of materials. Nearly two-thirds of dry goods such as bottles, corks, labels, and cartons are now sourced within 322 kilometers of the production site, with almost 80% sourced within France.

On the social front, Piper-Heidsieck, Charles Heidsieck, and Rare Champagne have launched diversity and inclusion policies. In 2025, they plan to hold workshops focused on caregiving and disability awareness for all employees. They have also implemented programs to prevent psychosocial risks in the workplace.

Céline Dorléans, HSE-CSR Manager for the three houses, emphasized that these achievements are the result of ongoing efforts since 2015. She noted that joining the B Corp community was a collective mission involving teams, winegrowers, and partners.

Looking ahead, the Champagne houses have set new targets to further reduce their environmental impact. By 2026, they aim to cut gas consumption by 90% compared to 2019 levels and reduce electricity consumption by 40% by the end of 2025. They also plan to decrease the climate impact of refrigerants through energy restructuring and equipment upgrades.

The group will continue supporting partner winegrowers in adopting sustainable practices and will strengthen partnerships with organizations that promote employment for people with disabilities.

Damien Lafaurie, President of EPI Wine & Champagne, stated that the renewed B Corp certification reflects the group’s philosophy of combining excellence with responsibility. He said that their goal is to maintain high standards while accelerating progress toward sustainable excellence.

Piper-Heidsieck was founded in 1785 and is known for its bold approach to winemaking. It is present in over 100 countries worldwide. Rare Champagne focuses on craftsmanship and hospitality and has made B Corp certification a central part of its identity after a lengthy process led by Cellar Master Émilien Boutillat. Charles Heidsieck was established in 1851 and is recognized for its rich wines and long aging process in historic chalk cellars.

B Corp certification is administered by B Lab, an international nonprofit organization. Companies must recertify every three years and show continuous improvement in areas such as governance, environment, workers’ rights, community engagement, and customer relations.

The renewed certification for Piper-Heidsieck, Charles Heidsieck, and Rare Champagne signals ongoing changes in the Champagne industry as producers respond to growing expectations around sustainability and corporate responsibility.