Heineken’s sustainability on course
Demonstrating that sustainability is embedded throughout the business and is a key growth driver, Heineken Ireland is half-way through a 10-year sustainability programme which it launched in 2010. This sets ambitious sustainability targets for the Irish business to achieve by 2020.
“Our company is built on a brewing heritage that began in Cork 160 years ago and we’re very proud to celebrate this important anniversary,” commented Heineken Ireland’s Chief Executive Maggie Timmoney, “Our Brewing a Better World programme is core to our overall company strategy and sustainable business for the future. We combine a love for our craft, a passion for quality and a commitment to the responsible consumption of our products to ensure we will be around for another 160 years. I’m pleased that we’re well on our way to achieving our 10-year sustainability targets.”
The 2015 report points out that Heineken Ireland supports 1,000 local suppliers, multiple service providers and injects €100 million into the economy. Furthermore, the Lady’s Well Brewery in Cork brews 100% of the draught beer it sells in the Irish market. All the malted barley used comes from over 750 local farmers. The brewery’s CO2 emissions have decreased by 10% since 2010 while all Heineken’s fridges are ‘green’ resulting in an energy efficiency improvement of 45%.
Similarly, 10% of Heineken’s media spend is invested in making moderate consumption aspirational.
“It’s imperative for us to continue to focus on reaching and exceeding our environmental targets but it’s also important to highlight that sustainability at Heineken Ireland means much more than this,” concluded Maggie Timmoney, “We’re committed to supporting our local communities, our employees, our customers and our industry. Having a sustainable business that has a positive impact on the society in which we operate remains our ultimate goal.”
In 2015, Heineken Ireland worked with over 50 community groups.
