Diageo India releases 2024 ESG Reporting Index, exceeds key sustainability targets

Diageo India (United Spirits Ltd.), a leading player in India’s alco-bev industry, has launched its third annual Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting Index for 2024. The report highlights the company’s achievements in its ‘Spirit of Progress’ ESG action plan, underscoring significant advancements across sustainability, positive drinking, and inclusion goals. Notably, Diageo India exceeded its water replenishment target by 25%, achieved nearly 100% renewable energy usage in direct operations, and gained improved ESG ratings.

The index follows the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). It also integrates sector-specific disclosures from the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) framework, further underscoring Diageo India’s commitment to transparency and sustainable impact.

Key Achievements

Grain-to-Glass Sustainability

Diageo India is advancing a resilient, climate-adaptive supply chain. Efforts include water conservation, renewable energy, and emission reductions:

Water Stewardship: Diageo India achieved a 48% improvement in water use efficiency in distillation and a 31% improvement in packaging. Over the past three years, it has replenished more than one million cubic meters of water across water-stressed sites, meeting targets three years early. Additionally, Diageo’s Alwar distillery remains certified by the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS).

 Renewable Energy and Carbon Reduction: The company achieved a 98.6% renewable energy status in its direct operations, leveraging solar power and renewable biomass boilers, and is on track to reach 100% ahead of its 2030 goal. Carbon emissions have reduced by 87% since 2020.

2. Promoting Positive Drinking

Diageo India promotes responsible drinking through various initiatives, reaching over 1.9 million youth in FY24 with its Act Smart India campaign against underage drinking. Through the ‘Wrong Side of the Road’ campaign, over 4.3 million consumers were educated about the risks of drunk driving, while the DRINKiQ platform continues to foster moderation.

3. Championing Inclusion and Diversity

Diageo India is leading inclusivity in its workforce and communities, with 50% female representation on the executive committee and expanded support for LGBTQIA+ and disability inclusion. The ‘Learning for Life’ program has trained over 2,000 students, predominantly women, for roles in hospitality, furthering skills and employment.

4. Commitment to Governance

Diageo India emphasizes ethical business practices with strong ESG governance through diverse, cross-functional teams. Independent directors chair key committees, including the Corporate Social Responsibility and ESG Committee, to drive strategy alignment and performance monitoring.

Hina Nagarajan, MD & CEO of Diageo India, commented: “We are proud of the strides made under our ‘Spirit of Progress’ plan. By focusing on sustainability, responsible drinking, and inclusion, we are committed to doing business with integrity and driving positive impact.”

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