Our sustainable development strategy
Our strategy for sustainable development is based on seven priorities in which we see the key role of Plzeňský Prazdroj. We have set goals in each of these for 2020, and they also allow us to contribute to the global Sustainable Development Goals.
We are currently working hard on the preparation of a new strategy for the Asahi Breweries Europe Group, in which Plzeňský Prazdroj is a member. Here we set our priorities and specific goals for the period after 2020.
History
Priority:
To take care of our historical heritage so we can hand it over in good condition to future generations.Sustainable Development Goals:
Highlights from 2018:
Prazdroj’s cooper craft has been entered on the national List of Intangible Assets of Traditional Folk Culture of the Czech Republic, and our coopers can thus apply for inscription on the UNESCO list. We have restored the historic Jubilee Gate at our brewery and installed a time capsule with information concerning the hundred-year-anniversary of our republic for future generations.
Objectives up to 2020:
We will continue to invest in the preservation of our historic buildings, traditional crafts, collections and resources. We will continue to open our breweries to the general public and professionals.
Ingredients – agricultural development
Priority:
To support domestic agriculture and sustainable land use for growing brewing ingredients while simultaneously supporting Czech suppliers.Sustainable Development Goals:
Highlights from 2018:
We purchase 100% of our barley from domestic suppliers, 65% directly from barley growers. We purchase 90% of our hops from Czech republic and the rest are special varieties from abroad. We support research activities in the area of brewing ingredients with nearly CZK 2 million.
Objectives up to 2020:
We will continue to observe the principles of a responsible supplier while maintaining maximum quality. Our basic principles of cooperation and partnership are the integrity of relationships and a long-term and fair approach. We will continue to cooperate with domestic farmers in the area of sustainable cultivation in light of the effects of climate change we are all facing.
Production, packaging and distribution
Priority:
To secure high-quality sources of water and keep reducing the consumption of the water necessary for beer production. To reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions from our operations. To focus on the reuse and recycling of our product packaging.Sustainable Development Goals:
Highlights from 2018:
We have again managed to reduce the carbon footprint of beer from 7.22 kg of CO2 per 1 hl of beer to 6.98. We have introduced train transport between the Nošovice and Plzen breweries, thus removing over 400 trucks from Czech roads and motorways.
Objectives up to 2020:
We will monitor the supply of water we share with local residents. We will reduce water consumption to 2.94 hectolitres per hectolitre of beer. We will continue efforts to reduce our carbon footprint. By 2020 we would like to achieve TDE below 76.44 MJ/hl. We will continue to look for opportunities to introduce the principles of a circular economy to our processes.
Support for SMEs and Czech beer culture
Priority:
To develop Czech beer culture and support the continuous improvement of the pub environment and experience. To help our customers improve the quality of their pubs and thus their competitiveness.Sustainable Development Goals:
Highlights from 2018:
Through our programme called Master Bartender, we have trained 1,217 pub owners and restaurant operators. We have launched a new project called “Village” aimed at returning social life to village pubs. We have brought over 115 pubs into the programme.
Objectives up to 2020:
Together with our customers, we set development plans for their business (quality of establishments, volumes, services), which we will periodically assess and respond together to opportunities for improvement. We want to develop the concept of the experience pub and help return life to pubs, especially to village pubs, where people have decreasing opportunities to meet and develop relationships with their neighbours.
Employees
Priority:
To be an attractive employer taking care of their employees and their development and offering equal job opportunities to men and women.Sustainable Development Goals:
Highlights from 2018:
For the years 2018 and 2019, an 11% wage increase for all our employees was set forth in our collective agreement. In 2018 we continued with the interactive safety training, which has already covered 60% of our employees.
Objectives up to 2020:
We will continue to increase our attractiveness for potential employees. We will continue developing the professional skills and expertise of our people with a focus on increased diversity in the workplace.
Responsible drinking
Priority:
To make beer a natural choice for moderate and responsible consumers.Sustainable Development Goals:
Highlights from 2018:
Through our campaign and the new application supporting a responsible approach to alcohol consumption, PROMILE Info, we have managed to address nearly 1.5 million people. Our Respect 18 flagship project now involves 30% more people than in 2017.
Objectives up to 2020:
We will try to address all consumers of our beers with effective communication campaigns and partnering activities. Their common goal will be support for moderate beer drinking.
Communities
Priority:
To be a good neighbour in the regions where we operate.Sustainable Development Goals:
Highlights from 2018:
Our charity and grant programmes have distributed more than CZK 11 million. We have started a new project called Getting the Ball Rolling under our Gambrinus brand.
Objectives up to 2020:
We will continue investing in projects of communities in need of our help. We will also further develop our CSR projects under or individual brands reflecting topical themes of our society.