Definitions
Accuracy
53
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 Heineken 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 in breweries, soft drink
plants, cider plants and maltings are in place, for
example, to minimise the error in these figures.
Standard calculation tools are also present for
refrigerant losses and waste discharge.
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 to be material at the aggregated level.
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 external accident
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.
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 Chemical Oxygen Demand, 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 a liquid and gaseous
state. Refrigerant losses are determined on the
basis of the quantities used 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 so as
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 2010
