Heineken Ireland ahead on Sustainability targets
This underscores its 10-year commitment to be a sustainable and green brewer under its global sustainability strategy, Brewing a Better World.
In 2018, as part of its sustainability plans, Heineken focused on cutting emissions produced by electricity at its 163 year-old Lady’s Well Brewery in the heart of Cork City. Three key electricity-themed projects delivered significant carbon savings at the facility.
- Production: 100% of the electricity used to produce Heineken Ireland’s beers and ciders now comes from a green, zero-emissions wind-powered source, the Raheen wind farm in Mayo.
- Logistics:Replacing its total forklift fleet with new electrically-powered forklift trucks at the brewery has reduced its carbon footprint by 112 tonnes per year, equivalent to taking almost 10 family cars off the road. In addition, the initiative also increased on-site safety and noise reduction.
- Lighting:The installation of an LED energy-efficient lighting system throughout the site reduced energy consumption by more than 400,000 KwH, the equivalent of powering 45 family homes for a year. It has also delivered significant safety benefits in ensuring clear visibility in previously poorly-lit parts of the brewery.
“Since taking up my role as Managing Director of Heineken Ireland last year, I’ve been struck by the degree to which sustainability is a top priority across all aspects of the business,” said Heineken Ireland’s Managing Director Maarten Schuurman, “I was very pleased to see the results achieved from this sustainability mindset and arising actions being recognised by Business in the Community Ireland in awarding us the Business Working Responsibly Mark, making us the first drinks company to achieve it.
“Our Sustainability Report this year demonstrates that our global Brewing a Better World sustainability strategy is delivering really meaningful results in Ireland when it comes to our six key sustainability focus areas.
“Last November, we took the strategic decision to sign Business in the Community’s Low Carbon Pledge, setting us on a path towards another truly significant carbon reduction by 2030. Our targets are ambitious and mean we’ve a lot to do; this year’s achievements show we have both the ability and momentum to meet and surpass our sustainability commitments.”
6% less water is used to produce each litre of beer now, making Heineken Ireland’s Lady’s Well Brewery one of the most water efficient in Heineken’s global network.
“Heineken is on a journey towards becoming a truly green brewer,” added Barbara-Anne Richardson, Heineken Ireland’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Communications Manager, “This year’s sustainability report marks another significant step towards that ultimate goal. A focus on electricity – both on where we source it from and on what it powers for us – has been central to our recent sustainability success”.
Twitter: @HeinekenIE_News #GreenStories
