The commitments and plans were outlined in Amsterdam as part of a symposium on sustainable development.
Jean-François van Boxmeer, chairman and chief executive of Heineken said: “As a leading brewer, we believe that we should take responsibility for our actions and be clear on what others can expect from us. This new sustainability agenda coupled with our greater transparency on targets and performance reflects this belief.”
Heineken has focused ‘Brewing a Better Future’ on three agendas:
1) Continuous improvement of its environmental impact. Amongst the targets the company has set, are reduction of direct and indirect CO2 emissions in its breweries by at least 40% and water consumption by at least 25% by 2020.
2) Empowerment of people & communities. In 2010, the company is to investment a further €10 million (to a total of €20 million) in the Heineken Africa Foundation, by 2020 Heineken also aims to expand the local sourcing of raw materials in Africa to 60%.
3) Continuing to make a positive impact on the role of beer in society. Heineken will strengthen its recognized, positive approach to responsible consumption by expanding its programmes to horeca and retail and by 2015.
Jean-François van Boxmeer added:” ‘Brewing a Better Future’ is a key part of our ambition to be a proud, independent, leading brewer. The actions we take as a result of our programmes will help to make us a better, stronger, and more competitive company.”
