Amidst rising concerns over climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss, the need for effective environmental stewardship has never been more critical. These pressing issues demand committed action from all sectors of society to ensure a sustainable future for our planet.
Resonating with the World Environment Day 2024 Theme: Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience, Diageo India’s proactive approach to driving sustainability, reflects in its ‘Society 2030: Spirit of Progress’ ESG action plan. This plan not only aims to address the urgent environmental challenges but also embodies its commitment to grain-to-glass sustainability, fostering inclusive growth, and advocating for responsible consumption.
Water Stewardship Journey
Diageo India’s water stewardship initiatives have yielded impressive results, achieving a 25% over-achievement by June 2023, with 10 lakh cubic meters of water replenished well before its 2026 target. The Alwar distillery became the first in Asia to secure AWS certification. This certification is a testament to Diageo India’s dedication to understanding shared catchment water challenges including water risks and opportunities enabling good water stewardship initiatives. In addition, Diageo India’s water replenishment projects include reforestation, construction of rainwater harvesting structures, borewell rejuvenation, desilting of ponds, wetland restoration and more. Within Diageo India’s own operating units, the company has improved its water-use efficiency by 48% in distilleries and by 31% in packaging ((vs FY20) against the target of 40% by 2030.
Robust Carbon Reduction Efforts
Diageo India’s commitment to a greener future is evidenced by an 84% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions, achieved zero coal status in its distillery operations and achieved 98.6% renewable energy usage across its own operating units. The company has increased its solar energy generation capacity from 1.3 MW to 2.6 MW and the planting of over 300,000 trees to aid in climate change mitigation. Additionally, its mangrove plantation initiative in Puri, Orissa, where 31,500 mangrove seedlings are being planted, as mangroves are known to sequester carbon at a rate 2-4 times greater than mature tropical forests.
Enhancing Community Well-being
Beyond environmental impact, Diageo India’s initiatives significantly enhance community well-being. The Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Program contributes to local infrastructure and improving quality of life in more than 30 villages. Moreover, through Diageo India’s regenerative agriculture programme 5,000 farmers in Punjab and Haryana are being empowered with the skills to support sustainable agricultural practices, thus strengthening local food systems, and supporting biodiversity. As part of its micro-enterprise initiative, Diageo India is empowering 100 small-holder women farmers in Nashik with training, financial support, and equipment, fostering sustainable livelihoods and reducing food waste.
Sustainable Packaging Innovations
Diageo India continues to make significant strides in packaging sustainability with over 99% of the organisation’s packaging material being widely recyclable, and more than 50% of purchased packaging material made from recycled content. Furthermore, its efforts to phase out 95% mono cartons from its portfolio and introduce recyclable PET containers demonstrating its commitment to reducing environmental footprint. Moreover, its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) commitment ensures the collection of 100% of plastic waste generated, contributing to a circular economy.
Promoting Biodiversity
Diageo India’s commitment to biodiversity preservation is robust, highlighted by its conservation efforts for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (Godawan) in Rajasthan. Its projects have restored six key water bodies and created nesting habitats, significantly contributing to the species’ recovery efforts. Diageo India’s Indian Single Malt Whiskey Godawan, not only brings together the community of local craftsmen to curate flavourful liquid made from locally sourced barley but also part of the proceeds helps in the conservation of the near-extinct Godawan bird.
At Diageo India, sustainability efforts are deeply integrated into every facet of its operations to drive grain-to-glass sustainability. The company works alongside its partners and stakeholders to advance its sustainability agenda for a healthier planet.
