October 13, 2025 (Reims, France) — The Champagne Houses of the EPI Group, led by Mr. Damien Lafaurie and owned by the Descours family, have renewed their international B Corp® certification with a significantly improved score:
102.6 points compared to 91.9 in 2022, an increase of +10.7 points. This recognition confirms their continued leadership in the Champagne world. Piper-Heidsieck, Charles Heidsieck and Rare Champagne originally joined this global movement in 2022 in support of a more inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.
An Ambitious CSR Roadmap Confirmed
This international recognition underscores the strength of a long-term commitment to continuous improvement with clearly defined short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. Progress has been marked by tangible and significant results, particularly in both environmental and social areas:
- A 34% reduction in carbon emissions (Scopes 1 and 2, 2023 vs. 2019)
- A 70% reduction in upstream transport and a 25% reduction in business travel (Scope 3, 2023 vs. 2019)
- An energy restructuring leading to a 33% decrease in electricity consumption in 2024 vs. 2019
- A fourfold increase in certified, segregated, and traceable Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne (VDC) supplies between 2019 and 2024 which enabled the creation of the very first cuvée from Piper-Heidsieck made from 100% certified VDC grapes
- Preservation and enhancement of the terroir and biodiversity in estate vineyards: zero herbicides since 2021, planting of hedgerows and trees, use of cover crops, and creation of habitats for animals and insects
- Responsible use of inputs, applied according to the needs of each plant, growth stages, disease pressure, and weather conditions
- Nearly 64% of dry goods supplies (bottles, corks, labels, cases, cartons, etc.) sourced within 322 km of the production site, and almost 80% sourced within France
- The launch of a diversity and inclusion policy and “caregiver & disability” workshops for all employees in 2025
- Implementation of a psychosocial risk prevention and awareness program
“Since 2015, we have been on a path of constant progress, combining rigor, expertise, innovation, and research in environmental, social, and societal matters. By joining this global community of companies committed to high standards, always striving to improve, we paved the way for B Corp® certification in Champagne. This renewal is a collective mission, a continuous effort, and the fruit of a common philosophy shared with our teams, winegrowers, and partners,” said Céline Dorléans, HSE-CSR Manager of the three Champagne Houses.
By joining a community of over 10,000 B Corp® certified companies worldwide (including 570 in France), Piper- Heidsieck, Charles Heidsieck and Rare Champagne reaffirm their ambition: to help reinvent economic standards in the service of the common good.
A Continuous Challenge
Once certified, B Corp® companies must continue to meet all requirements and demonstrate further improvements in impact areas assessed by the international label every three years.
Among the key objectives for the Champagne Houses:
- Further reducing the climate impact of activities and actively contributing to the energy transition:
-90% gas consumption by 2026 vs. 2019, -40% electricity consumption by the end of 2025 vs. 2019, and a decrease in the climate impact of refrigerants by 2026 vs. 2019, thanks to energy restructuring and the replacement of the most energy-intensive equipment
- Continuing to support partner winegrowers in their transition to Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne
- Strengthening partnerships with Adapted Enterprises (EA) and Establishments and Services of Assistance through Work (ESAT), organizations promoting employment for people with disabilities, as part of an ongoing commitment to responsible practices with a positive social impact
- In this spirit, Piper-Heidsieck, Charles Heidsieck and Rare Champagne reaffirm their ambition to combine excellence and responsibility, to meet the highest standards, and to strengthen their position within the B Corp® community.
“‘Elevating and sharing the very best of Champagne.’ This is our philosophy, our raison d’être, our expertise. It sets the tone: to continue and accelerate our efforts, in the spirit of continuous improvement, on the path to sustainable excellence,” said Damien Lafaurie, President, EPI Wine & Champagne.
About Piper-Heidsieck
Founded in 1785, Piper-Heidsieck is one of the oldest and most prestigious Champagne Houses. Renowned for its boldness and expertise, it embodies excellence and innovation through its exceptional cuvées. Present in over 100 countries, Piper-Heidsieck is a global reference in Champagne. Since 2018, Cellar Master Émilien Boutillat has been entrusted with preserving the House’s unique philosophy and opening a new sustainable chapter in its history.
About Rare Champagne
From grape to bottle, from nature to craft, from cellar to light, beauty shines through an art of living and an art of hospitality situated at the very heart of Rare Champagne. Its elegant generosity celebrates global talent, those whose strength and passion ennoble the everyday through unique moments and lasting memories, always illuminated by excellence. Rare Champagne’s commitment now also takes shape through its B Corp® certification—one of the world’s most rigorous social and environmental impact standards—the result of 28 months of collective effort by teams worldwide, led by Cellar Master Émilien Boutillat.
About Charles Heidsieck
Founded in 1851, Charles Heidsieck embodies the boldness and vision of its founder, nicknamed “Champagne Charlie”, who introduced Champagne to the New World. Renowned for the richness and complexity of its wines, the House asserts its style through the generous use of reserve wines and the long aging of its cuvées in its centuries- old chalk cellars. Today, Cellar Master Émilien Erard continues the pursuit of balance and elegance that defines the unique identity of Charles Heidsieck.
About B Corp®
B Corp® is a global movement working to transform the economy so that it benefits all people and the collective living world. The “B” in B Corp® stands for Benefit for All. B Corp® Certification is a private, voluntary certification administered by the international nonprofit B Lab® aimed at for-profit companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, governance, and transparency. Today, more than 10,000 companies of all sizes and sectors are certified across 104 countries – including 570 in France.
