Heineken in Ireland has published its 2011 sustainability report. The report summarises Heineken’s delivery and overall progress on its sustainability strategy ‘Brewing a Better Future’.
The report provides detailed updates on the company’s integrated programmes, built around its three strategic imperatives:
* Continuously improve the environmental impact of Heineken’s brands and business;
* Empower the company’s people and the communities in which it operates;
* Positively impact the role of beer in society.
Declan Farmer, corporate relations manager, Heineken Ireland, says: “Ultimately to realize our vision of a more sustainable society , we are committed to making positive and long term investments in people, communities and the environment , to deliver on our promise of ’Brewing a Better Future ‘ for everyone.”
Heineken Ireland is taking the lead in the marketplace with the introduction of new refrigeration, which now includes a safe and environmentally friendly hydrocarbon refrigerant, with an energy management system yielding an energy reduction in the order of 35%. This ensures that the brewer is now serving its beer at the optimum temperature whilst simultaneously reducing the carbon footprint of our customers
The company reduced its electricity consumption by 3% compared with 2010 and remains one of the most water efficient breweries within the global Heineken group.
Heineken Ireland continued to expand its local sourcing commitment in 2011 with 100% of its malt requirements for Heineken being sourced locally, supporting near 750 farm households in the process. The brewery also supports local suppliers and services with an injection of Eur100 million spend in the local economy, supporting near 1000 local suppliers.
The company maintains a recycling rate of 100% in all its on trade sales volumes, as all kegs and packaged product into the bar business are in a returnable format.
In addition, as a result of focused efforts in the whole area of waste management and segregation on site, waste to landfill in 2011 was reduced by 21% on 2010 levels
Company volunteerism initiatives have resulted in Heineken Ireland employees giving in excess of 2,000 hours on local Simon community project work in their respective communities throughout Ireland.
Updated vehicle policy introduced in 2011, now means that all fleet vehicles are of diesel format, and green parameters are now an integral part of the tendering process for all freight/distribution contracts.
Declan Farmer adds: “I strongly believe that doing good for society is also good for business, in the context that lower CO2 emissions, means lower costs. Sourcing our malt locally means supporting the local agricultural economy whilst at the same time decreasing transport and import costs.”
CAPTION:
Pictured (l-r): Declan Farmer, Corporate Relations Manager, Heineken Ireland; David Forde, MD Heineken Ireland; Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr John Buttimer; and Vera Zandbergen, Manager Global Sustainable Development, Heineken NV.