HEINEKEN Malaysia celebrates Earth Hour to reassert Sustainability Commitments
28 March 2021 – Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia) switched off non-essential lights at its Sungei Way Brewery during Earth Hour 2021, symbolising the Company’s commitment towards protecting the planet through its Brewing a Better World sustainability strategy.
The brewer of international brands including Heineken®, Guinness, Tiger, Anchor, and Apple Fox Cider, has made significant strides in its sustainability journey. Since 2014, HEINEKEN Malaysia has cut carbon emissions in production by 15.2%, reduced electricity consumption by 10%, decreased thermal energy consumption by 21%, and increased usage of renewable biogas by 90%. Additionally, the brewer has practiced zero waste to landfill since 2017, ensuring all by-product waste from production are recycled.
Commenting on the Earth Hour 2021 initiative, Roland Bala, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia said, “Switching off our lights for one hour is a symbolic act, but one that carries an important meaning. It is a reminder for all of us at HEINEKEN Malaysia to put sustainability at the core of everything we do. We take pride in the work that has been done to protect water resources, cut emissions, recycle waste, and source sustainably. As a responsible and progressive brewer, we are guided by our purpose to brew a sustainable future for our people, planet and business.”
HEINEKEN Malaysia’s ongoing efforts in sustainability has been recognised for three consecutive years, clinching multiple awards at the Sustainable Business Awards in 2018 and 2019 as well as being named Company of the Year for Manufacturing (Beverage Industry) at the Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Awards from 2018 to 2020, highlighting the brewer’s achievements in water and environmental protection, growing with local communities, and supporting its stakeholders.
Renuka Indrarajah, Corporate Affairs and Legal Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia said, “Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond our brewery and business operations. Through our CSR arm SPARK Foundation, we aim to spark positive change for the environment and society. Recently, in conjunction with World Water Day, we reaffirmed our commitment to fully balance the water we use in our production. Our long-standing partnerships with NGOs and communities are aimed at protecting the health of rivers,
our main source of water, and it is important that we are consistent in our efforts. Just last year, we were able to achieve several sustainability milestones and we are looking forward to making a bigger impact to the environment and to society.”
HEINEKEN Malaysia’s Brewing a Better World sustainability strategy covers six key areas:
- Reducing C02 emissions
• Protecting water resources
• Sourcing sustainability
• Advocating responsible consumption
• Protecting health and safety
• Growing with communities
Further information on HEINEKEN Malaysia’s sustainability and initiatives can be found in the attached infographic, HEINEKEN Malaysia’s official website: https://www.heinekenmalaysia.com/ or SPARK Foundation’s official website: https://sparkfoundation.com.my/.
Earth Hour is a global movement that aims to draw attention to climate issues by encouraging individuals, communities, and businesses to switch off non-essential lights for an hour. This happens annually on the last Saturday of March.
