Heineken publishes 2010 Sustainability Report, 'Brewing a Better Future'

15 april 2011 Amsterdam, 15 April 2011 - Heineken N.V. published its 2010 sustainability report, 'Brewing a Better Future', which takes its theme from Heineken's integrated approach to sustainability that was launched in April 2010. The report summarises Heineken's delivery against its public commitments, as well as overall progress on its global sustainability strategy. In addition, the report provides detailed updates on the company's 23 integrated programmes, built around its three strategic imperatives: * Continuously improve the environmental impact of our brands and business * Empower our people and the     communities in which we operate * Positively impact the role of beer in society Jean-François van Boxmeer, Chairman of the Executive Board/CEO, said: "Brewing a Better Future puts renewed focus on our determination to create value at all levels of society and for all our stakeholders. Delivering on the targets we have set ourselves will impact the way in which we bring our brands to market, improve our environmental performance, contribute to our communities and engage all stakeholders." Highlights from the Heineken 2010 sustainability report: * In 2010, 'Brewing a Better Future' was rolled-out internationally. Fifty Heineken markets now have a three-year sustainability plan in place with clear deliverables, targets, budget and roles and responsibilities. In addition, each company has established a sustainability committee that is responsible for the development and roll-out of the local sustainability agenda. During the year, 21 markets published their own local sustainability reports. * In 2010, Heineken conducted two water footprint studies, in Egypt and Slovakia. The water footprint is an indicator of freshwater use that looks not only at water usage in breweries, but also takes into account the water use by all the products, processes and services that are required to produce beer. The studies found that more than 90 per cent of the water footprint is related to the cultivation of crops. The studies' findings raised interesting questions, such as how to involve suppliers in water reduction strategies and how to balance local sourcing with the impact of crops on local water sources. * To serve the company's beer at the optimum temperature, Heineken aims to use refrigeration equipment with a low carbon footprint and energy consumption. The company's policy is that wherever it is technically and legally possible, every new fridge Heineken buys will include the safe and more environmental friendly hydrocarbon refrigerant, uses LED illumination and has a thermostat with an energy management system for large fridges. Combined these three elements are expected to yield energy reduction of at least 35 per cent. In 2010, the company began implementing this new approach and 80 per cent of the new fridges met at least one of the above standards. * In January 2010, Heineken donated an additional €10 million to the Heineken Africa Foundation. This money enabled the Foundation to initiate three new projects focused on the fight against HIV/AIDS in African communities where the company operates, which were announced at the company's HIV/AIDS Symposium in March 2011. * Heineken developed several initiatives to endorse the company's responsible consumption programme 'Enjoy Heineken® Responsibly' (EHR). These included new design rules and guidelines to have the EHR logo on all primary and secondary Heineken packaging. In addition, all UEFA Champions League (UCL) broadcasts included perimeter advertising featuring an EHR logo where legally allowed. Heineken's 2010 sustainability report reflects feedback that the company received by reaching out to numerous stakeholders throughout the year and the report is based on the disclosure guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). A full HTML version of the report with added functionality and features is available at www.sustainabilityreport.heineken.com. The sustainability section on the company website, www.heinekeninternational.com/sustainability, includes downloadable information about Heineken's sustainability performance relating to six sustainability initiatives, as well as the reports from the local markets. Heineken encourages dialogue around sustainability and feedback from its stakeholders. Comments on the report may be sent to: responsibility@heineken.com The 'Brewing a Better Future' initiative comes a decade after Heineken published its first sustainability agenda in 2000. Over the past decade, the company has made significant progress to improve its responsibility towards various stakeholders. Heineken is a member of UN Global Compact LEAD, subscribes to the UN Water Mandate and actively promotes responsible consumption via brand communication and responsibility activities in partnership with other beverage companies. Heineken is also member of FTSE4Good. Press enquiries Hester Swart Tel: +31 (0)20 5239 355 Hester.swart@heineken.com John-Paul Schuirink Tel: +31 (0)20 5239 355 John-paul.schuirink@heineken.com About Brewing a Better Future 'Brewing a Better Future' is Heineken's long-term sustainability initiative. The 23 integrated programmes that make up the initiative focus on improving the environmental impact of Heineken's brands and business, empowering people and the communities in which Heineken operates and positively impacting the role of beer in society. Amongst the commitments Heineken has made as part of its approach to sustainability are: * By 2020 a reduction of specific direct and indirect CO2 emissions in breweries by at least 40% and a reduction in specific water consumption by at least 25%. * To expand to €20 million the funding for the Heineken Africa Foundation. * To expand the local sourcing of raw materials in Africa to 60% by 2020. * The continuous reduction of the CO2 footprint of our brands throughout the value chain. * By 2015 ensuring that all markets have a partnership that help the company play its part in reducing alcohol abuse. * By 2015 for every majority-owned business to have a sustainability plan and to report publicly on its progress and commitment. For more information on 'Brewing a Better Future', visit www.heinekeninternational.com/sustainability About Heineken: Heineken is one of the world's great brewers and is committed to growth and remaining independent. The brand that bears the founder's family name - Heineken - is available in almost every country on the globe and is the world's most valuable international premium beer brand. The Company's aim is to be a leading brewer in each of the markets in which it operates and to have the world's most valuable brand portfolio. The Company operates 140 breweries in more than 70 countries and sold 205 million hectolitres of beer on a 2010 pro-forma basis. Heineken is Europe's largest brewer and the world's third largest by volume. Heineken is committed to the responsible marketing and consumption of its more than 200 international premium, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. These include Amstel, Birra Moretti, Cruzcampo, Dos Equis, Foster's, Kingfisher, Newcastle Brown Ale, Ochota, Primus, Sagres, Sol, Star, Strongbow, Tecate, Tiger and Zywiec. On a 2010 pro-forma basis, including FEMSA Cerveza, revenue totalled €17 billion and EBIT (beia) was €2.7 billion. The average number of people employed is more than 70,000. Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V. shares are listed on the Amsterdam stock exchange. Prices for the ordinary shares may be accessed on Bloomberg under the symbols HEIA NA and HEIO NA and on the Reuter Equities 2000 Service under HEIN.AS and HEIO.AS. Most recent information is available on Heineken's website: www.heinekeninternational.com. Download Heineken International press release.pdf: http://hugin.info/136188/R/1506864/441643.pdf This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that: (i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and (ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Heineken International via Thomson Reuters ONE [HUG#1506864]