Qualified reliability of safety
and environmental data
The reliability of the data is subject to certain
qualifications, despite the fact that the safety
and environmental experts at our production
units have reported to the best of their
knowledge, in good faith and in accordance with
agreed procedures and their figures have been
validated by Group Supply Chain. Heineken is
continuing to work on formulating and applying
uniform definitions and instructions for reporting
purposes, in order to improve the accuracy and
comparability of the data. Standard calculation
protocols for atmospheric emissions have been
developed, for example, to minimise the error in
these figures. Standard calculation tools are also
present for refrigerant losses and waste discharge.
Definitions
Differences in the interpretation of definitions
have occurred in some cases. On the basis of
our internal validation findings, we do not expect
these differences at the aggregated level to
be material.
Completeness
Reporting was not forthcoming or incomplete in
some cases. Often newly-acquired production
units need to improve their reporting system,
especially on complaint and incident registration,
accident severity and COD measurement. In order
to provide a realistic representation of Heineken's
total environmental impact, the missing data have
been estimated in accordance with our internal
procedures for incomplete reports. Some data
have been estimated by our operating companies.
Production units that did not report have been
listed in a footnote and estimates were included.
as for COD, can also affect accuracy. The quantity
of refrigerant is difficult to establish because it is
used in dynamic systems in which it can occur in
both the liquid and gaseous phases. Refrigerant
losses are determined on the basis of the
quantities added to replenish systems. At a
number of production units, waste is removed
from the site in containers of a given volume,
and inaccuracies can arise in translating volume
to weight. In the absence of local legislation in
some countries outside Europe, the definition
of hazardous waste is not always clear. In some
cases, hazardous waste is safely recycled and is
no longer designated as hazardous. The scope
and workforce size related to the accident
frequency can give rise to inaccuracies in
some locations due to the misinterpretation of
overtime and number of temporary personnel.
Comparability
Each parameter to be reported has accurately
been defined in the Safety Standards Procedures
and Environmental Standards Procedures.
The comparability of the data depends on the
extent to which estimates have been used in
determining the performance indicators. Where
estimates have been used in interpreting trends,
it is stated in the text of this report. The
comparison of data has been carried out
over a three year period in order to limit the
influence of incidental fluctuations.
Since no material changes have been made to
definitions, calculations or estimating procedures,
there is comparability from year to year, except
when indicated in the text of this report.
Accuracy
The accuracy of the data depends on the method
of measurement, the calculation procedure and
whether estimates have been used. For some
parameters, the sampling method and frequency,
Heineken N.V.
Sustainability Report 2006