BAT Vietnam commits to sustainable operation

Sustainable development is an indispensable part of the group’s strategy and purpose, underpinned by commitments and actions on priorities in three pillars: environment, society, and governance (ESG).

BAT Vietnam’s ESG Report 2022 marks a 28-year journey of establishment and development in Vietnam, as well as demonstrating its commitment to transparent and effective corporate governance.

This is the second consecutive time that BAT Vietnam has issued the ESG Report. This report provides a strategic vision with clear standards and goals and offers an overview of BAT Vietnam’s sustainable development activities and performance.

Regarding the environmental commitment, BAT Vietnam is striving to contribute to the goal of net zero emissions by 2050. The company is also adopting circular economy principles, ensuring zero waste to landfills at both manufacturing sites, and empowering their employees to make changes and minimize their environmental impact.

BAT Vietnam has also made efforts to reduce water consumption and increase the use of recycled water to facilitate sustainable agricultural practices, regenerate degraded forests, and protect biodiversity.

In terms of social focus, BAT Vietnam is committed to improving the livelihoods of farmers in its supply chain via income increases and crop productivity.

For employees, ensuring zero work accidents and creating a safe and equal working environment are always BAT Vietnam’s top priorities, along with cultivating a diversity, inclusion, and solidarity culture.

With respect to the governance pillar, BAT Vietnam takes a pledge to maintain a culture of integrity, full adherence to the group’s standards of business conduct and international marketing principles, and ensure responsible business.

BAT Vietnam representatives receive a certificate for being in the Top 100 Sustainable Businesses in Vietnam. Photo courtesy of BAT Vietnam

Being recognized as “Top 100 Sustainable Businesses in Vietnam” in 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023 is a testament to BAT Vietnam’s efforts in promoting sustainable development. This recognition demonstrates the company’s progress in being in the Top 11 compared to 2022 (Top 12) and 2021 (Top 13).

In addition, BAT Vietnam was named in the Top 5 Pioneering Businesses for implementing a circular economy and reducing carbon emissions.

This was based on the Corporate Sustainability Index (CSI) performance scores with the business’s achievements in reducing energy usage and converting to green energy sources towards annual average energy consumption reduction: 2,115 tons of CO2 emissions cut down compared to 2018; zero waste to landfill at both joint venture factories; and more than 99% of waste recycled.

Pham Hung Anh Tuan, Head of Operations at BAT Vietnam, said: “The Corporate Sustainability Index (CSI) by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry plays the role of an essential tool to support sustainable corporate governance, helping the business community to self-assess the effectiveness and impact of their sustainable development activities, thereby driving further or improving their sustainability programs. Accomplishing those indices and being recognized at the ‘CSI 100 Awards 2023’ by VCCI offers businesses like us a valuable opportunity to enhance the brand reputation, consolidate the trust of stakeholders, and drive competitiveness capabilities.”