International Breweries and Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre co-hosted a web forum event with the theme ‘Water For Peace: The Triple Bottom Line of Sustainable Water Management in Brewing Operations’ to mark the 2024 World Water Day on Friday, March 22, 2024. It was a convening of brewery industry experts, business executives, sustainability stakeholders and academia to learn and dialogue on sustainable water management in the manufacturing industry. Attendees were welcomed by Mrs Oreva Atanya, Head, Sustainability, Lagos Business School, represented by Mrs Osanua Nwagbara, Senior Associate, LBS Sustainability Centre.
She said, “We recognise the critical importance of responsible water management and consumption, not only for the preservation of our environment but also for the sustainable growth of industries and communities. At Lagos Business School, we advocate for corporations and businesses of all sizes to look inward and integrate sustainable practices for long-term business success. We are deeply committed to supporting organisations in their journey towards achieving strategic sustainability objectives. Our collaboration with International Breweries for this web forum is a demonstration of this commitment to fostering dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in corporate sustainability.”
Mrs Temitope Oguntokun, Executive Director, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, International Breweries delivered the opening remarks. She said, “Today, we stand at a critical juncture in our journey towards water conservation and equitable access to this invaluable resource. With each drop, we hold the power to transform lives, protect ecosystems, and build a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come. For us at International Breweries Plc, water is one of our major resources and as a result, we make deliberate efforts in water stewardship which is one of our key sustainability pillars in addition to circular packaging, smart agriculture and climate action.”
International Breweries’ sustainability strategy was highlighted in the insightful expert presentation delivered by Solomon Unuoha, Energy and Fluids Specialist, International Breweries, Onitsha Plant. He conveyed the 2025 sustainability ambition of the company which is a future where water is enough for everyone. With a keen eye on the future, Solomon revealed that the company has set ambitious sustainability goals with 2025 milestones, outlined in its sustainability index. “Water is a critical component in the brewing process, and central to International Breweries operations, with 90 percent of its processes reliant on water. To ensure compliance with regulations and minimise environmental impact, each factory is equipped with functional water treatment plants to treat water before release into the environment.”
Furthermore, he indicated the technology employed in maintaining best practices in sustainability water management, and the processes in place to identify and make quality water more available to high-stress areas within local host communities. Key for International Breweries is the One to One Initiative aimed at reducing water consumption from 4.5 hectolitres to one hectare to one hectolitre to one hectare.
The web forum also included an interactive session themed ‘Water Stewardship in Business and Community Resilience’ where discussions indicated best practices businesses must employ to promote sustainable development in communities that align with organisational objectives. Speakers during the interactive session comprised Mrs Adedayo Oluwole, Principal Consultant, Kasher Consulting; Mr Peniel A Jack, State Coordinator, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Anambra State; Mr Babajide Osundiya, Energy and Fluids Specialist, International Breweries, Gateway Plant; and Mr Jonathan Ikeolumba, Research Affiliate, LBS Sustainability Centre who served as the moderator. These experts hinted that water is a fundamental human right for individuals and communities and access to this indispensable life resource is crucial for all forms of life on the planet. Harping on how to foster sustainable development, Adedayo Oluwole, said that “companies must deploy corporate emotional intelligence in building engagements with stakeholders”. Their core message focused on increased implementation of sustainable water management practices which can lead to reduced water treatment expenditure and significant cost savings, ultimately impacting a company’s triple bottom line positively.
The forum concluded with a call to action delivered by Taiye Tunkarimu, Corporate Communications and Sustainability Manager, International Breweries, urging continued efforts to promote water stewardship through the 4Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Restore. “Water conservation is a shared responsibility, critical for peace, business prosperity, and the future of our planet.” She added, “Let us unite in our commitment to safeguarding water, not just for today, but for all the tomorrows yet to unfold. Together, let us embark on this journey of awareness, action, and advocacy as we celebrate the essence of life itself – water.”
International Breweries is a member of the ABInBev Group, with a diverse portfolio of exciting brands and a commitment to brewing excellence, sustainability, and social impact. With operations spanning key regions in Nigeria, International Breweries is dedicated to delivering exceptional products while making a positive difference in the world. Its iconic brands, including Hero, Trophy, Grand Malt, Beta Malt, Castle Stout, and many more, have continued to delight consumers, giving them many happy moments to cheer about. International Breweries remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of taste and brewing innovation, catering to the evolving preferences of consumers across key markets in Nigeria and beyond. For more information visit: https://www.ab-inbev.com/
Lagos Business School is Africa’s leading management education institution and the LBS Sustainability Centre is a globally recognised knowledge hub that brings together the theory and practice on business and sustainability for the advancement of business performance and development outcomes. For more information about the initiatives and upcoming events by the Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre, please contact sustainabilitycentre@lbs.edu.ng. Together we can work towards a sustainable future for businesses on the continent. See our programmes at https://lbssustainabilitycentre.edu.ng/training
