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 Group Supply Chain has validated their figures. 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 has been estimated in accordance with our internal procedures for incomplete reports. Our operating companies have estimated some data. Production units that report have been listed in Appendix 2. 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, as for COD, can also affect the 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 phase. Refrigerant losses are determined on the basis of the quantities added to replenish systems. 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. In a number of cases, the number of lost days could have been reported incorrectly where also the day of the accident is counted as a lost day, which is not in line with our definition. Not all our sites have adequate procedures for the registration of environmental and safety incidents, violations of safety regulations and environmental complaints, which may cause underreporting. 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 such 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. HEINEKEN N.V. SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2008 37

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Heineken - Milieuverslag | 2008 | | pagina 39