ISO 14064 Certification Through EU-Funded I-STARS Project
We achieved ISO 14064 Certification Through the EU-Funded I-STARS Project
This milestone underscores the winery’s commitment to sustainability, climate responsibility, and innovation in Cyprus’ wine sector.
We are proud to announce the successful completion of our sustainability journey under the Island Sustainable Tourism Action through Resilient SMEs (I-STARS) programme, culminating in the achievement of ISO 14064 certification. This internationally recognised standard verifies the winery’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting and reduction efforts, marking a significant step forward in our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable growth.
The I-STARS project, co-funded by the European Union and coordinated in Cyprus by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), supports small and medium-sized tourism and hospitality enterprises across island regions in Europe. The programme equips businesses with tools, funding, and expert guidance to improve environmental performance, enhance resilience, and adopt innovative sustainability practices.
A Sustainability Milestone for Zambartas Wineries
Through I-STARS, we benefited from tailored sustainability training, access to specialised consultants, and the implementation of a customised action plan. This structured approach enabled the winery to meet the rigorous requirements of ISO 14064, which focuses on quantifying, monitoring, reporting, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“This certification reflects our deep respect for the environment and our responsibility to future generations. The wine industry is inseparable from the land it depends on. By measuring and managing our carbon footprint, we can ensure our vineyards remain healthy and productive while contributing to Cyprus’ broader sustainability goals.” Charis Evangelou, our enologist & I-Stars Project Leader.
The ISO 14064 process involved a comprehensive review of the winery’s operations, from vineyard management and energy use to logistics and waste handling. Independent verification confirmed that Zambartas Wineries meets global best practices in GHG emissions management, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Setting a Standard in Cyprus’ Wine & Tourism Industry
As climate change increasingly impacts agriculture on the island, this certification could not come at a more poignant time. While we still recover from the dreadful wildfires that heavily impacted our wine region, we face other climate related challenges, such as shifting harvest periods and water scarcity. By aligning with internationally recognised climate standards, we aim to be a leader in sustainable viticulture, setting an example for other producers and tourism-related businesses in Cyprus.
The winery’s achievement also reinforces the role of the island’s wine industry in supporting Cyprus’ commitments under the EU Green Deal and global climate agreements. By transparently reporting emissions and pursuing continuous reductions, we actively contribute to national and EU-wide sustainability targets.
Looking Ahead
Zambartas Wineries plans to build on this momentum by exploring additional sustainability certifications, shifting to even lighter and low impact packaging materials, continuing our organic journey and deepening collaborations with local and international partners. Education will remain central to the winery’s approach — not only for staff, but also for visitors, who will be invited to learn about the environmental journey behind every bottle.
“We want our guests to experience more than just great wine. We want them to know they are supporting a business that values the land, the community, and the planet.” Marleen Zambartas
“The sustainability journey of Winestories Ltd was co-funded by the European Union, under the I-STARS SMP-COSME-2021-TOURSME Project No. 101085914.”