Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) has made significant strides in its sustainability efforts, sourcing 91% of the energy used at its brewery from renewable sources. This achievement is part of the company's broader strategy to reduce its environmental footprint and ensure long-term operational resilience. The company has also made notable progress in reducing water consumption, cutting usage by 30% since 2024. This reduction is particularly significant given the structural water stress affecting Namibia's central region.
The reduction in water use was achieved through a combination of operational optimisation and technology. NBL's management attributes the success to a concerted effort to address water security concerns, which have become an operational concern rather than simply an environmental issue. The company is also engaging with regulatory authorities and other regional water users to develop a longer-term framework aimed at strengthening water security in the region. This collaborative approach underscores the complexity of addressing water security challenges in Namibia.
NBL's sustainability efforts are closely aligned with Heineken's revised EverGreen 2030 strategy, which focuses on growth, productivity, and preparing the business for future operating conditions. As part of this strategy, NBL has increased its use of renewable energy in production operations. Biomass now provides 87% of the brewery's thermal energy requirements, while solar installations have helped the company avoid 179 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions during the interim period.
In addition to its renewable energy achievements, NBL has made significant progress in reducing production waste. The company has diverted 88% of its production waste from landfill through reuse, recovery, or other processes. This achievement demonstrates NBL's commitment to minimising its environmental impact and adopting sustainable practices throughout its operations.
Despite the challenging economic conditions, NBL has maintained its market share in Namibia. The company has recorded growth in certain product categories, including cider, which saw a 15% increase in volumes. Non-alcoholic products also contributed to the company's overall performance. However, beer export volumes declined by 38.2% during the period, contributing to a 3.9% decline in net revenue to N$2.023 billion.
NBL's management attributes the company's resilience to its long history of contributing to Namibia's economy. The company has been part of Namibia's economic story for over 100 years, providing employment, generating exports, and making significant excise-tax payments. The company's sustainability programme is seen as an integral part of its ongoing commitment to the country.
Looking ahead, NBL's sustainability efforts are expected to continue playing a critical role in the company's operations. The company's focus on growth, productivity, and sustainability is likely to remain a key priority as it navigates the challenges of the current economic environment. With its sights set on the future, NBL is well-positioned to maintain its position as a leader in Namibia's brewing industry.
Key points
- NBL sources 91% of energy from renewable sources and cuts water consumption by 30%.
- The company achieves 88% diversion of production waste from landfill.
- NBL records 15% growth in cider volumes and maintains market share in Namibia.
