Mornington Peninsula businesses operate within important and unique landscapes. We are lucky to live and work alongside ecologically and culturally significant coasts. As organisations, we have a great opportunity to invest in sustainable practises. This will ensure that the impact on the land is minimal and that our beautiful peninsula can be passed onto future generations.
Let’s shine a spotlight on several Mornington Peninsula businesses delivering innovation and excellence through their focus on reducing energy use and water consumption.
Paradigm Hill in Merricks is owned by Ruth Mihaly, the viticulturist, and George Mihaly, the winemaker. Their 10-acre vineyard was planted in 1999/2000 to make the most of the cool climate region of the Mornington Peninsula. The north-facing gentle slope with trellis running north-south produces a balanced vine that reflects the terroir of the environment. A commitment to using only estate-grown grapes for onsite production has produced a selection of beautiful Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Pinot Gris and Riesling.
Sustainability is embedded here. This winery was an early adopter and local leader of using renewable energy sources, well before they became mainstream and less expensive. Today the estate boasts a 30kW solar panel system to proudly run their vineyard. Plus they export a third of the power generated back into the grid. Even their vehicles are electric! Everything is energy efficient, and everything is measured, maintaining a zero-carbon footprint since 2016.
Being in rural Merricks, there is no ‘mains’ water so the team collects water off their shed and winery roof into tanks that can hold up to 150,000 litres. These are installed underground to maintain a constant temperature, minimising the energy needed to heat or cool them. To ensure a high-quality water source the tank water is treated with a five-stage filtration process, including activated charcoal and UV light. Additionally, the vineyard is managed under a ‘dry farming’ approach, with minimal irrigation from their dams that is used only in extended periods of hot weather.
The water quality in the dams is maintained through wetlands and earthworks to control runoff. As part of the wetland rehabilitation, native bird species have returned and now help to control the snail population.
Ruth and George are proud to have a commitment to being ecologically responsible, and this is clearly evident in their values and practises.
Commonfolk Coffee Co in Mornington should also be commended for minimising their carbon footprint. This business has made leaps and bounds to improve already existing efficiency, by adding a Tesla battery to its systems and changing to a 100% green-energy supplier.
The team has expanded their program of energy and water efficiency, and now generate 70% of their power on-site via solar panels, and partner sourcing the rest through 100% renewable grid power.
The local food industry serves thousands of residents and visitors every day. The Mornington Peninsula Shire Best Bites program ensures safe and healthy food is sold, while strengthening the local economy and supporting the commitment to inclusivity and carbon neutral principles. This continues to be the Council’s pledge to develop and recognise excellence in local businesses through education and inspiration, celebrating those that demonstrate this in the categories of Access and Inclusion, Health and Wellbeing, and Sustainability.
Content created August 2024, reviewed January 2026
