Diageo outlines equality and sustainability targets

Johnnie Walker owner Diageo is aiming to achieve net zero carbon emissions and increase diversity across its leadership teams as part of a 10-year plan.

Diageo has outlined its Society 2030: Spirit of Progress plan

The Society 2030: Spirit of Progress plan has been developed to “make a positive impact on the world” over the next 10 years and features targets covering sustainability, diversity and positive drinking.

Ivan Menezes, chief executive, Diageo, said: “As a global business, we are committed to playing our part to protect the future of our planet and to leading the way for others to follow.

“I am immensely proud of Diageo’s sustainability and responsibility achievements to date, and this new, ambitious action plan will challenge us even further to deliver more over the critical decade to 2030.”

Diageo’s efforts to champion inclusion and diversity will see the company strive to have 45% representation of leaders from ethnically diverse backgrounds by 2030, and have 50% of all leadership roles occupied by women.

Menezes added: “By setting both gender and ethnicity goals for the business to achieve by 2030, I believe we can truly break down barriers and help shape a more diverse and successful long-term business and society.”

The Tanqueray gin owner will also provide skills and training to more than 1.7 million people to create an “inclusive and thriving” hospitality sector.

Net zero carbon emissions

Diageo has also committed to working towards a low-carbon future and will turn to 100% renewable energy in an attempt to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its operations.

The Oban distillery will become carbon neutral by the end of 2020

The first step will see the Oban and Royal Lochnagar Scotch whisky distilleries become carbon neutral by the end of 2020 and Diageo will aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions in India by 2025.

Diageo also plans to reduce the water required in production by 30% by 2030 and will deliver more than 150 community water projects across the world.

Over the next 10 years, the company also aims to transition to using 100% recycled content in plastic packaging and 100% of its packaging will be widely recyclable.

Ewan Andrew, chief sustainability officer and president of supply and procurement, Diageo, said: “It is vital that we act now if we want to maintain the wonderful world we all live in.

“I’m proud that we have already halved our own carbon footprint and that we are going to push ourselves further by becoming carbon neutral by 2030. It feels fitting that we are leading the way with Oban and Royal Lochnagar distilleries, which will both be carbon neutral by the end of the year.”

Diageo’s efforts to promote positive drinking will see it aim to reach more than one billion people with messages of moderation. The firm also plan to change the attitudes of 5m drivers towards drink driving and educate more than 10m people on the dangers of underage drinking.