Heineken Vietnam promotes business community to develop sustainably

A sustainable future for the world as well as for each nation requires unified efforts made by both State and private sectors. In Vietnam amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, sustainability has played an increasingly crucial role to the Government, organizations, associations and businesses.

Mr. Matt Wilson, Corporate Affairs Director - Heineken Vietnam

At the conference, Heineken Vietnam - the Most Sustainable Manufacturing Company in Vietnam in 2017 - shared their success story of incorporating sustainability to its core business strategy, enhancing competitiveness and providing long-term socio-economic benefits.

By participating in discussions and presentations at the Conference, Heineken Vietnam spread out its “Choosing Green” commitment, derived from the Company’s core belief that each individual, organization, business and nation can proactively choose between “Grey” - a desolate future with environmental devastation, impoverished and backward communities; and “Green” - the sustainable development path achieved through the commitment to taking care of people and planet to sustain prosperity.

“The private sector plays a vital role in the sustainable development of Vietnam. We appreciate the contribution of enterprises, especially Heineken Vietnam’s pioneering role in applying advanced sustainability innovations and technologies; as well as inspiring business community to pursue sustainable development. The Company has made practical and efficient contribution to the implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the Government’s 2030 Agenda for the Sustainable Development. The success story of Heineken demonstrates that the commitment towards sustainable development is not a cost burden to businesses, and instead will provide long-term socio-economic benefits to both businesses and the local community”, said Mr. Nguyen Quang Vinh - Secretary General of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) & Vice Chairman cum Secretary General of the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD)

The sustainability strategy of Heineken on a global level as well as in Vietnam is in line with and designed to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through innovative partnerships with relevant stakeholders from both State and private sectors, focused on key areas where the Company believes it can have the greatest impact in Vietnam, Heineken has contributed to implementing 8 out of 17 SDGs:

Taking care of our people by Advocating Responsible Consumption; Promoting Health and Safety; People Development; and Growing with Community. In particular:

In 2017, Heineken Vietnam invested VND 16 billion for responsible consumption initiatives, reaching ten million Vietnamese consumers: Supporting SDG 3 (Good health & Well-being); SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production); and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals);

Invested VND 18.9 billion in People Development, including over 2,600 training hours for employees on road safety and health: Supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic growth); and SDG 3 (Good health & Well-being);

Invested a further VND 7.8 billion in community support, funded the construction of three new water stations and gave direct support to over 4,000 underprivileged households: Implementing SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic growth) and SDG 6 (Clean water and Sanitation)

Taking care of the planet by Using renewable energy, Reducing water consumption, Wastewater treatment and Moving towards zero waste to landfill:

Four out of six Heineken breweries in Vietnam brew 100% with renewable energy: Implementing SDG 3 (Good health & Well-being); SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean energy); and SDG 15 (Life on Land);

Reduced water consumption - Heineken Vietnam’s breweries are the most water efficient of all Heineken operating companies in Asia Pacific Region: Implementing SDG 6 (Clean water and Sanitation); and SDG 13 (Climate action);

Invested VND 229 billion in wastewater treatment plants: Implementing SDG 6 (Clean water and Sanitation); SDG 13 (Climate action); and SDG 15 (Life on Land);

Pioneered in driving circular economy, moving towards zero waste to landfill. 99.01% of waste and by-products were re-used or recycled: Implementing SDG 12 (Reponsible consumption and production); SDG 13 (Climate action); and SDG 15 (Life on land).

Sustaining prosperity, supporting SDG 8 (Decent work and Economic growth): in 2017, Heineken Vietnam contributed VND 42.3 trillion to Vietnam’s economy, equivalent to 0.88% of the country’s total GDP. The Company supported over 158,000 jobs throughout its value chain, accounting for 0.3% of Vietnam’s labor force. The Company continued to prioritize and maximize local sourcing whenever possible with its local partners in Vietnam, reached VND 9.3 trillion in 2017.

Vietnam is currently faced with many opportunities and challenges in terms of environment, society and economic development. Willingness to change and innovate, as well as dedication and commitment by relevant stakeholders to select and expand efficient and sustainable business models will help seize these opportunities and overcome challenges.

“Sustainability has always been one of our strategic priorities throughout our 27 years of presence in Vietnam. We are proud that the Company as well as each individual at Heineken Vietnam plays an active role in promoting a sustainable future for Vietnam. Although there is still so much more to be done, we hope to see more businesses and individuals also commit to Choosing Green - Choosing Sustainability and joining us on this meaningful journey,” said Mr. Matt Wilson, Corporate Affairs Director - Heineken Vietnam.