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