O
The organisation of environmental
management
3.1 Vision on sustainable development and social responsibility
Throughout its 136-year history Heineken has always endeavoured to achieve an
appropriate balance between a healthy economic basis and due care for its environ
ment. The meaning of sustainable development as defined by the UN Brundtland
Commission (1987) - meeting the needs of the present without compromising the abi
lity of future generations to meet their own needs-is an important guiding principle
for us.
We believe that the achievement of positive results in the field ofsustainability will be
beneficial to the long-term development of the Company. We are convinced that the
further integration of social and environmental principles in our operating compan
ies is also of importance from a business perspective.
An important consequence of this conviction is our objective to acquire a leading
position in the brewing sector through our financial, social and environmental per
formance. It is our intention to enhance the Company's position as a good corporate
citizen, by respecting the local values of the different cultures in the countries in
which we are active and taking into account the expectations of our stakeholders.
Heineken's studies into sustainable development carried out in 1999 revealed that the
various disciplines concerned (finance, marketing, production and communication)
attach a strategic importance to sustainable development. Consequently the next
step will be the development of an integral vision on sustainability. Heineken will also
examine the significance of the eco-efficiency concept for the Company in more
detail. Particular attention has been devoted to the social dimension of the Com
pany's sustainability policy. During the continued review of this aspect in the next two
years, Heineken will devote attention to issues such as health and safety aspects in its
facilities.
CHAPTER
WHY DO WE ENDEAVOUR TO
ACQUIRE A LEADING POSITION IN
THE FIELD OF ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT?
We want our employees to know
that they are part of a company that
shares their values.
The long-term retention of our
position in the brewing sector, is
only possible when we guarantee
the long term availability of high-
quality raw materials.
An innovative approach to environ
mental management usually also
results in savings. We believe that
eco-efficiency and cost control are
mutually-dependent.
A leading position in environmental
management increases our appeal
to investors, especially those
investors who take social and
environmental factors into account.
We intend to comply with the
increasingly stringent wishes
of a variety of stakeholders who
are relevant to our operations,
including government, non-govern
mental organisations and local
communities.
HEINEKEN ENVIRONMENT REPORT 1998-1999