NEW DELHI (India CSR): Diageo India (United Spirits Ltd.), a leader in the alco-bev industry, has launched its third annual ESG Reporting Index for 2024. This report highlights Diageo’s progress across key sustainability and inclusivity objectives under its ‘Spirit of Progress’ initiative. The report reveals significant achievements in water stewardship, renewable energy, responsible drinking, and workplace diversity, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable growth.
Achievements in Grain-to-Glass Sustainability
Diageo India’s commitment to sustainability, called “grain-to-glass,” encompasses both environmental stewardship and resilient supply chain initiatives. The company has made notable progress:
- Water Stewardship: Water replenishment has been a priority, especially in water-scarce areas. In the last reporting year, Diageo India achieved over 9,000 cubic meters of water replenishment and improved water efficiency by 48% in distillation processes. Their Alwar distillery in Rajasthan also maintained its Alliance for Water Stewardship Certification, the first distillery in Asia to receive this distinction.
- Renewable Energy: The company has eliminated coal-based energy from its distilleries, achieving 98.6% renewable energy use across direct operations, with an in-house solar capacity of 2.6 MW. Diageo is on track to reach 100% renewable energy by 2030, well ahead of schedule.
- Carbon Reduction in Communities: Diageo India’s brand, Signature Packaged Drinking Water, partnered in a mangrove regeneration project in Odisha, planting 31,500 mangrove seedlings to enhance carbon sequestration.
Responsible Drinking Initiatives
Diageo India has launched several programs to promote responsible drinking, targeting underage consumption, drunk driving, and binge drinking:
- Act Smart India: This initiative educated over 191,861 youths about the risks of underage drinking through storytelling.
- Anti-Drink Drive Campaigns: In FY24, more than 435,164 people participated in the company’s anti-drink drive initiative, “Wrong Side of the Road.” The program, active in 31 Regional Transport Offices, aims to raise awareness of the dangers of drink driving.
- Moderation Platform: Diageo’s DRINKiQ platform provides resources for consumers to understand the benefits of moderation and make responsible choices.
Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity
Diageo India emphasizes gender balance, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and support for persons with disabilities across its workforce:
- Gender Diversity: Women make up 50% of Diageo India’s Executive Committee, and the company is working to increase overall female representation to 33%. Diageo India was recognized as a “Gold Employer” for LGBT+ inclusion by the India Workplace Equality Index (IWEI) and ranks among LinkedIn’s Top Companies in India for diversity in the retail sector.
- Inclusive Training Programs: Through the Learning for Life initiative, 2,060 individuals, over half of whom are women, were trained for the hospitality industry in collaboration with the National Skill Development Council. Diageo has also provided specialized training for 110 persons with disabilities in partnership with the Skill Council for Persons with Disability.
Governance and Business Integrity
Diageo’s governance structure is designed to ensure long-term sustainability and accountability in its operations:
- Board Leadership in ESG: Diageo’s Board includes a Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental, Social, and Governance Committee responsible for monitoring ESG strategies. Cross-functional teams report on ESG performance to the Executive Committee every quarter.
- Transparent Reporting Standards: The company follows Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) frameworks, mapping their efforts to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to maintain alignment with global standards.
Focus on Regenerative Agriculture and Sustainable Packaging
Diageo India’s focus extends to sustainable sourcing and waste reduction:
- Regenerative Agriculture: In collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, Diageo India has initiated a regenerative agriculture program across 60 villages in Haryana and Punjab. They’ve also introduced a pilot program in Telangana covering 500 hectares, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.
- Sustainable Packaging: In the past year, 99% of materials used in Diageo’s packaging were recyclable. The company also increased its use of recycled content to 55% and removed non-recyclable mono-cartons from 95% of its product portfolio.
Diageo India’s Broader Impact
Diageo India’s 2024 ESG Reporting Index highlights the company’s dedication to impactful environmental initiatives and a diverse, inclusive work culture. As it makes strides in carbon reduction, water stewardship, and positive drinking, the company continues to set a benchmark in the alco-bev industry for sustainability and responsible practices.
The ESG report showcases Diageo India’s efforts in supporting India’s national goals, building a resilient social and environmental footprint, and laying the groundwork for continued, sustainable growth across communities and industries.
