United Spirits Limited
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2023-04 to 2024-03)
Reporting Period: 2023-04 to 2024-03
Environmental Metrics
Total Carbon Emissions:14.2 (’000 tonnes CO2e)
Scope 1 Emissions:4.4 (’000 tonnes CO2e)
Scope 2 Emissions:9.8 (’000 tonnes CO2e)
Scope 3 Emissions:1664 ktCO2e
Renewable Energy Share:98.6%
Total Energy Consumption:8999 TJ (direct) + 48 TJ (indirect)
Water Consumption:711 ML (total) 652 ML (water-stressed areas)
Waste Generated:61,035 tonnes
Carbon Intensity:19.8 g CO2e/litre (packaging); 225.8 g CO2e/litre (distillation)
ESG Focus Areas
- Promoting Moderation
- Preventing harmful use of Alcohol
- Ensuring responsible marketing/retailing of alcohol
- Ensuring access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene
- Strengthening security of agri-food chains
- Reducing or eliminating waste
- Protecting the natural ecosystem our business relies on
- Mitigating or adapting to climate change
- Supporting good livelihoods and working conditions
- Corporate Governance
- Including and empowering women, minorities and under represented groups
Environmental Achievements
- Achieved 87% reduction in absolute GHG emissions (market/net based) since 2020.
- Achieved 98.6% renewable energy share in direct energy consumption.
- Maintained zero waste to landfill in direct operations.
- Replenished more than 1 million Cu.M. of water over the past three years across water-stressed sites, exceeding the 2026 target by 25%.
Social Achievements
- Launched a micro-enterprise initiative to empower 100 smallholder women farmers in Nashik.
- Trained 2,060 people in business & hospitality skills (Learning for Life program).
- Educated 1,91,861 young people on the dangers of underage drinking (Act Smart India).
- Educated 4,35,164 consumers on the dangers of drink driving (Wrong Side of the Road).
Governance Achievements
- Identified and addressed 9 cases pertaining to Bribery & Corruption, with no cases substantiated.
- Achieved 97% compliance rate in Annual Certification of Compliance.
Climate Goals & Targets
Long-term Goals:
- Net zero carbon in direct operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 2030.
- 100% renewable energy across all direct operations by 2030.
Medium-term Goals:
- Reduce Scope 3 emissions by 50% by 2030.
- Achieve 50% women’s representation in USL’s Leadership Team by 2030.
- Educate 1 million consumers about drink driving risks by 2030.
- Create an attitude change towards underage alcohol consumption among 0.8 million young people by 2030.
Short-term Goals:
- Reduce water consumption by 40% by 2030 (water-stressed areas); 30% improvement across the company.
- Increase recycled content in PET bottles to 40% by 2025, 100% by 2030.
- 100% of plastic waste collected and managed under EPR by 2030.
Environmental Challenges
- Water stress in 10 out of 12 operational sites.
- Climate change risks to agricultural raw materials.
- Potential for supply chain disruptions due to acute weather events.
- Scope 3 emissions increased by 3.7% compared to last year.
Mitigation Strategies
- Implementing water efficiency measures, increasing recycling and replenishment.
- Engaging with suppliers to improve farm management practices and promote regenerative agriculture.
- Developing plans to ensure supply chain resilience.
- Implementing various carbon reduction and mitigation initiatives (e.g., switching to renewable fuel, on-site solar power installations).
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: SMETA 4 pillar audits for high-risk suppliers; 88% compliance on environmental criteria; 89% compliance on child labor and forced labor criteria.
Responsible Procurement
- Partnering with Suppliers Standard
- Know Your Business Partner (KYBP) due diligence
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Water stress
- Extreme weather events
- Risks to agricultural raw materials
Transition Risks
- Regulatory changes
- Market shifts
Opportunities
- Development of energy-efficient products and processes
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI Standards: comprehensive option, SASB
Certifications: FSSC 22000 (food safety standard certification), AWS (Alliance for Water Stewardship) certification at Alwar distillery
Third-party Assurance: Price Waterhouse & Co. Chartered Accountants LLP (reasonable assurance on core indicators in BRSR)
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Not disclosed
Not disclosed
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- r-PET packaging
- Recyclable aluminium containers
- Paper/pulp bottles
Awards & Recognition
- MSCI ESG Rating A
- Sustainalytics ESG Risk Rating (low risk)
- Gold Employer award by Pride Circle India
- OHSSAI Awards — Gold 4 Star Award (Nashik, Baramati, Kumbalgodu)