RED Stripe managed to cut its water use by 17 per cent.

The 200 million litres it saved through its water recovery programme complemented the 50 per cent reduction in emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide from its US$7 million combined heat and power (CHP) plant.

The local brewer also reduced the amount of waste it sent to landfill by 26 per cent, as a result of a process focused on omitting, recycling, reducing, reusing and disposing materials.

Unsurprisingly, the results of its efforts won the company the Environmental Protection Award at the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) 32nd annual awards ceremony held at the Jamaica Pegasus last week.

“It is a very rewarding feeling to be recognised by the JCC for being an environmentally friendly company. It is a key measure of success for us and the Environmental Protection Award validates our work,” said Shane Healy, Head of Supply, Red Stripe.

Healy added that parent company Diageo is committed to minimising its environmental impact across its full range of operations.

The company engages its employees through its GREENIQ programme and enlists employees as environmental champions, as it is not only good for the planet but the sustainability of the business.

Red Stripe also uses energy efficient lighting and motion sensors in washrooms, and ensures all electrical equipment such as AC units and monitors are turned off nightly to conserve energy.