Champagne AYALA marks a new milestone in its decarbonisation
Tribute to Nature
INITIAL Expertise supports Champagne AYALA in its decarbonisation initiative
Aÿ-Champagne, October 8, 2025 – Committed for several years to a rigorous CSR policy, Champagne AYALA is taking a new step forward in its environmental journey. With the support of INITIAL Expertise, the Maison is implementing a comprehensive decarbonization strategy at its historic production site located in Aÿ-Champagne (Marne), at the heart of the Grands Crus. The objective: to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030. Pragmatic and innovative solutions have been developed, both for the existing facilities and for the new winery currently under construction.
In a global context marked by rising energy costs and growing environmental pressure, Champagne Houses—and more broadly the entire Champagne vineyard—are accelerating their sustainability initiatives.
« Bringing coherence and meaning to the energy transition of Champagne producers , is truly our guiding principle. Together with the Champagne AYALA teams, we have built a roadmap that goes beyond isolated solutions to transform the way energy is conceived, stored, produced, and consumed. The goal is clear: to sustainably reduce the carbon footprint while ensuring performance and long-term viability »
Stéphane Flandre, director of INITIAL Expertise
Thanks to a comprehensive assessment conducted by INITIAL Expertise, Champagne AYALA has identified several levers for action—sometimes “simple,” yet always decisive.. These measures will allow the Maison to:
- reduce the energy consumption of the future winery by 70% dcompared with the initial projections for this large-scale project currently underway;
- replace gas with electricity for several processes;
- increase production capacity without increasing energy consumption;
- enhance the energy efficiency of all buildings (winery, offices, future ageing cellar).
A global and pragmatic approach
As Hadrien Mouflard, Managing Director of Champagne AYALA, recalls, “The objective is not only to reduce consumption, but rather to build a long-term energy strategy that is both environmentally respectful and economically viable — to create a positive impact from vine to glass, as a tribute to Nature and People.”
A committed Champagne House, AYALA acts both in the vineyard — with initiatives such as Atelier Vignoble, which supports its partner winegrowers –and around the world by highlighting Chefs Engagés who promote meaningful, responsible cuisine. On Site, athe Maison also focuses on sourcing recyclable and local raw materials and on rethinking bottle manufacturing, Champagne AYALA continues to strengthen its environmental commitment while preserving the quality of its wines and the Maison’s DNA..
Beyond these collaborative projects, the historic House of Aÿ-Champagne has also chosen to rethink other areas in which it can act independently, setting an example , through the transmission of artisanal know-how within its committed team and through the renovation of its historic site. This strategic approach is reflected in a concrete, measurable multi-year action plan,, integrated into its CSR roadmap and implemented with the guidance of INITIAL Expertise over the past two years.
Among the initiatives already completed are the acquisition of a professional control system to optimize the operation of the disgorging ice tank’s cooling unit. To reduce energy loss from its historic buildings, Champagne AYALA has launched a renovation program, including the replacement of exterior joinery. Soon, insulated sectional doors will also be installed in the dressing areas. The future winery—semi-underground at a depth of 15 meters—will benefit from natural thermal inertia, reinforced by a double-insulated roof. The originally planned 60 cm green roof was abandoned, as it proved less efficient and more costly than this solution.
To complement the system, a heat pump will be installed in the new winery to produce domestic hot water and heat the offices, eventually replacing the gas boiler, which is highly energy-intensive and emits significant CO₂.
A sustainable energy transition
INITIAL Expertise’s method is based on a three-step approach: measure, prioritize, plan. This orchestration ensures that Champagne AYALA achieves a sustainable energy transition—environmentally respectful and economically sound..
« Champagne is inseparable from its Terroir. Preserving nature means preserving our future. By embarking on this ambitious decarbonization journey, we affirm our commitment to producing exceptional Champagnes while respecting the environment. INITIAL Expertise supports us with method, pragmatism, and ambition, »
Hadrien Mouflard, Managing Director of Champagne Ayala
This collaboration between INITIAL Expertise and Champagne AYALA illustrates the Champenois ability to combine tradition and innovation in meeting climate challenges. . It also reaffirms the region’s pioneering role in combating climate change and adapting its viticultural and industrial practices.
About INITIAL Expertise
Founded in 2018, INITIAL Expertise is a mission-driven company that advises public and private sector stakeholders on their energy transition projects and the decarbonization of their activities. INITIAL Expertise supports its clients and partners (businesses, industries, local authorities, institutions, and associations) throughout every phase of their projects: defining energy and financial strategies, providing project management assistance, producing studies, and carrying out implementation work.
Since 2024, INITIAL Expertise has also been a Qualiopi-certified training organization. Based in Greater Reims, with offices in Charleville-Mézières and Épernay, the company operates locally in the Marne and Ardennes departments, while also offering its services on a national and international scale.
