Diageo to halve water use as footprint grows

Following criticism that a number of Diageo’s Scotch whisky distilleries over extracted water in 2013, the group is now aiming to cut its global water use in half.

Diageo CEO Ivan Menezes said Diageo would endeavour to manage its water use responsibly as it expands further into the emerging markets

Revealing its “ambitious” Water Blueprint today, the UK drinks group also set itself the target of replenishing water in “stressed areas” with the equivalent amount of water used in its products, and returning all waste water back to the environment “safely”.

The Water Blueprint strategy outlines how the world’s biggest spirits producer intends to protect and manage its global water resources as it eyes expansion in the emerging markets, since Diageo produces a third of its volume in “water stressed areas”.

The strategy will apply to the group’s global supply chain and is based on “four core areas” where the company will increase its efforts: in its sourcing of raw materials, in its own operations, within the communities in which it operates and through local and global advocacy for best practice in water stewardship.

“As Diageo’s footprint has expanded, particularly in emerging markets, I firmly believe that managing water responsibly will be core to supporting the future growth of our business,” said Diageo CEO Ivan Menezes.

He added: “Looking to the future, we recognise that we have a responsibility to strengthen our commitment and enhance our programmes if we are to make an even more meaningful impact.

“Through our new Water Blueprint we will focus on our broader supply chain, drive greater innovation and adopt new ways of working with new partners. These steps forward will see us making a real difference to the environment, economy and communities in so many countries where we operate.”

Water Blueprint will see Diageo further develop its Water of Life community projects in water stressed areas and ensure appropriate access to safe water and sanitation for its employees.

The Water Blueprint is described as a “critical supporting pillar” of Diageo’s 2020 Sustainability and Responsibility targets published in December 2014.

Earlier this year, an FOI request revealed that in 2013, three of Diageo’s distillery’s and one of its malting house’s in Scotland were rated “poor” by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) for their over-abstraction of water from natural sources.

However, the firm swiftly issued a statement emphasising its commitment to preserving the environment and provided reasons for the overuse.