DGB Code of Ethics

DGB has a Code of Ethics that illustrates our commitment to high ethical standards, and we endeavour to reflect this in the workings of our staff at all levels at all times. It is of the utmost importance that the behaviour of our employees is beyond reproach as we believe that our collective behaviour is a reflection of our company and business ethics on the whole.

DGB is firmly committed to the principles of sound corporate governance as contained in the King Report on Corporate Governance for South Africa. As a proud South African company we expect all our employees to abide by the laws of the country. In particular we support the aims of the South African Constitution to improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person.

Our Code of Ethics does not only provide guidance on individual behaviour of DGB staff, but also helps to understand how the company responds to important issues within the industry. It is our stated intention that the products we distribute should be enjoyed in a responsible way.

The code is endorsed by the DGB Board of Directors and compliance is a condition of employment for all DGB employees applying to both local and international activities.

 

Douglas Green is a partner in the international Fairtrade programme (FLO), a worldwide initiative encouraging Third World producers of wine and other agricultural products to commit to improving the lives of people involved at all levels of the production process.

Douglas Green, under the dedicated ‘The Principle’ label shall release the  first two Fairtrade certified wines originating from one of its Stellenbosch producers, Koopmanskloof. The brand’s first Fairtrade mark is used on certain lines of the Douglas Green Chenin Blanc 2008 and Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot 2008.Koopmanskloof Vineyards received its Fairtrade certification in 2007 as a result of various initiatives to ensure farm-worker ownership and a drive to social upliftment among the farm-worker community who receive a social premium linked directly to consumer sales. The communities themselves decide how this premium is invested.


WINE INDUSTRY ETHICAL TRADE ASSOCIATION (WIETA)

DGB (Pty) Ltd (Boschendal) is an audited member of the Wine Industry Ethical Trade Association. WIETA’s mission is to improve the working conditions of employees in agriculture by amongst others ensuring :

• Child labour shall not be utilised


• Employment shall be freely chosen


• The right to a healthy and safe working environmen


• The right to freedom of association


• The right to a living wage


• Working hours shall not be excessive


• Harsh or inhumane treatment is prohibited


• Unfair discrimination is prohibited


• Regular employment shall be provided


• Worker’s housing and tenure security rights will be respected

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION FOR RESPONSIBLE ALCOHOL USE (ARA)

“Enjoyment is knowing when to say when.”

The Industry Association for Responsible Alcohol Use (ARA) was established by the major producers of alcohol beverages in South Africa with the mission to reduce alcohol-related harm through combating the misuse and abuse of alcohol beverages and promoting only their responsible use.

ARA is an association currently comprising members that include the major manufacturers of alcohol beverages in South Africa including DGB and as such we adhere  to a strict and comprehensive Code of Commercial Communication, which includes stringent rules on advertising, packaging and promotions and media use that promotes responsible consumption of our products.



JOHANNESBURG CHILDREN’S HOME

Although we receive a State subsidy for each child, it covers only about 11% of actual costs. If not for the generosity of the people of Johannesburg and further afield, we could not do the work we do.”DGB has proudly supported the Johannesburg Children’s Home and has enjoyed a long and meaningful relationship with this worthy cause.With the participation of our customers, proceeds from our annual Golf Day are doubled by the company and a substantial donation is presented to the home every year.

The Johannesburg Children's Home provides a safe refuge for 64 children aged from 3 to 18 of all races who have been found in need of care by the Children's Court having suffered physical,sexual or emotional abuse, severe neglect or abandonment. Some are Aids orphans and/or are HIV positive.

Established in 1892 by a small group of dedicated women, JCH is Johannesburg's oldest charity. Over the years, thousands of children have rebuilt their lives with their special help, care and guidance – and have gone on to become happy, successful and fulfilled adults.

CARBON FOOTPRINT

DGB has always been mindful of the impact of our wine and spirit production, distribution and exports, with a track record of sound environmental practices and accreditations. A comprehensive Carbon Footprint audit helped formalise DGB’s greening project. This has provided the foundation for several reduction initiatives to minimize our footprint across our operations.

We consider sustainable ecologically friendly practices of critical importance and prioritise this as part of our core business ethos. With this aim in mind, we commissioned Global Carbon Exchange (GCX) to conduct a carbon footprint analysis of its operations.

Their findings for 2008/9 revealed a relatively low carbon emission score within scope 1 & 2 areas that are directly within the control of DGB operations. The most significant emissions are caused by electricity use. Scope 3 emissions caused outside of the direct control of the company (ie: supplier emissions) accounted for the majority of the carbon footprint.  DGB has instituted an extensive reduction program by way of:

-Educating staff and raising a carbon reduction culture within all areas of the company
-Packaging and glass reduction initiatives and introduction/replacement with alternative packaging including -light weight glass, PET and pouches
-Working towards a paperless working environment
-Recycling programs
-Supply chain assessment and quality control

DGB's BAMBOO COMMUNITY CARBON OFFSET PROJECT
The next step in realizing this ambition is a tremendous bamboo planting community project.
DGB enlisted the professional assistance of Renewable Energy Solutions (RES) under the expert advice of Pieter Joubert who has years experience and implicit understanding of renewable and sustainable alternatives. After much consideration and research, bamboo was elected and is unique as a means to offset DGB’s carbon footprint for 3 main reasons:
- As the fastest growing grass on earth, the carbon neutralising effect of the bamboo plant can be 35% more potent than most trees making a rapid impact
- Bamboo has substantial and versatile commercial value with innumerable uses
- Exceptional community enrichment and job creation potential

The project was made possible by Pieter Joubert who introduced DGB to the potential in Ulundi and with the endorsement of royal family co-ordinator, Prince SM Zulu on behalf of King Goodwill Zwelethini and the local council who provided the land and permission for the plantings. Food and Trees for Africa have also thrown their weight behind the initiative.    

Driven by the dedication of DGB Viticulturalist, Stephan Joubert and the passion and foresight of Pieter Joubert from RES, a great planting ceremony materialised in a buzz of excitement at 2 rural schools in Ulundi as learners were coached and encouraged to plant the first 120 bamboo plants along the perimeter of the school fence in July 2010.

A further pilot planting program was done with a third school in Mossel bay in Augut 2010. The possibilities and eventual commercial opportunities of the plantings garnered much interest and many smiles from the teachers and children.

“There is no doubt that the outlook for the environment and these communities is brighter,” says Stephan. “The real value will be fully appreciated in 3 to 4 years time when the plants can be harvested. These 120 plants will provide excellent trial material to experiment with tangible commercial uses. We are optimistic that this small pilot project will reap big rewards and lead to a viable and successful bamboo plantation eventually.”

INTEGRATED PRODUCTION OF WINE (IPW)

The Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) scheme is an extensive ecological production audit system administered by the Wine and Spirit Board regulating the environmental impacts of the full production cycle – from producers and processing of wine to the recycling of waste products and packaging materials.
 
All DGB  viticultural and cellar operations subscribe to the minimum standards set out by IPW. South Africa is unique being the first country to adopt an industry-wide system to promote sustainable grape growing and environmentally sound cellar practices.