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\\ COFINIMMO \\
DIALOGUE WITH OUR STAKEHOLDERS
How should we then imagine AB InBev’s
efforts in Europe?
H. V.
In Europe we are constantly
working on sustainable brewery
processes through the responsible use
of ingredients, of which water is one of
the most important. We make sure that
water is included in a circular system so
that it can be reused, after treatment, for
the rinsing of materials. We pay special
attention to our energy consumption and
take advantage of recycling by reusing
the heat from the brewing process at
the beginning of the cycle. Throughout
the whole value chain, we are also very
attentive to logistics and, as mentioned
before, the social dimension.
AB InBev is a pioneer in the use of
'ecocombis' which travel a fixed route
from Heverlee to Katoen Natie in the port
of Antwerp. Two ecocombis replace three
regular lorries which implies fewer trips
for the same quantity of products and,
therefore, a CO2 emission decrease. In
one and a half year CO2 emissions have
decreased by nearly 20 tonnes by using
ecocombis on the fixed route between
Heverlee and Antwerp. This represents a
21% decrease. Large-scale use can have a
positive impact on mobility as about 32 %
fewer trips are needed.
Another key issue in Europe and Belgium
is the reduction of packaging and its
recycling. Together with Fost Plus, AB InBev
conducted in 2017 an awareness-raising
campaign against litter. At festivals,
AB InBev and partners also bring this
issue to the attention of young people, by
recycling cups into bottle openers via 3D
printing, for example.
Furthermore, we also focus on responsible
beer consumption. AB InBev invests in
non-alcoholic beers in order to allow
people to make a positive choice for
valuable alternatives.
How does a multinational like
AB InBev succeed in communicating its
sustainable development strategy and
win the support of all players in its value
chain, including pubmanagers?
H. V.
Until recently AB InBev delivered
the most of its sustainability efforts in its
breweries, processes and the awareness
raising of its employees.
Our sales people also try to convey this
sustainable attitude when they meet
the pub managers. They offer them, for
example, toolkits to promote responsible
alcohol consumption and train them in
rinsing their dispensing equipments.
The next step could consist in making
pub managers more aware of their energy
consumption and how to economise by
consuming less energy.
Did AB InBev take specific measures
regarding its real estate?
H. V.
A distinction must be made
between our breweries and offices on the
one hand, and our pubs on the other hand.
In the first case, we already delivered
considerable efforts and have a sound
sustainable track record: responsible use
of ingredients, water and heat recycling,
reduced energy consumption and CO2
emissions and increased sustainability
awareness among our employees.
In the second case, sustainability on the
sales side, efforts can still be made. Pub
properties are very diverse and require a
wide range of sustainable solutions which
can be managed by AB InBev and its real
estate partners, such as Cofinimmo.
-21 %
In one and a half year, CO2 emissions
decreased by nearly 20 tonnes thanks
to the use of ecocombis on the fixed
route Heverlee-Antwerp.
343,143
m
2
984
pubs/restaurants
AB InBev’s distribution network,
managed by Cofinimmo, represents a
surface of around 20 % of Cofinimmo’s
portfolio.
1. Pub/restaurant Three Sisters –
Amsterdam (NL)
2. Pub/restaurant Le Royal –
Louvain/Leuven (BE)
2.
1.