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

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Heineken - Milieuverslag | 1998 | | pagina 10