Royal HaskoningDHV to support Heineken with carbon reduction efforts
International brewing giant Heineken is looking to boost its net zero journey, by partnering with three professional services firms. Royal HaskoningDHV, NIRAS and Arcadis will now work to bring technical support to Heineken’s efforts to reach net zero in its direct emissions by the end of the decade.
Magne Setnes, chief supply chain officer at Heineken, explained, "Our partners bring us expertise in their field, knowledge of the best available technology solutions and an outside-in view of the problems we are trying to solve – skills that are paramount to helping Heineken achieve our ambition. Reaching net zero in Scope 1 and 2 by 2030 cannot be accomplished in isolation. Collaboration with experts like Arcadis, NIRAS and Royal HaskoningDHV is essential to reach this milestone at the speed and scale we need."
Founded in 1864, Heineken is a Dutch multinational brewing company, headquartered in Amsterdam. As of 2019, the historic brewery has amassed an empire, acquiring more than 165 breweries in more than 70 countries. That also means it is hugely influential in the shifting of beverage manufacturers to sustainable practices.
Earlier in 2024, this saw Heineken partner with Siemens, to cut the brewer’s carbon emissions 50% by 2025. According to the company, renewable energy-powered heat pumps will now electrify Heineken’s heating and cooling, reducing reliance on fossil fuels at its breweries and malt houses.
And as Heineken continues this journey, it has signed an additional agreement with Royal HaskoningDHV, NIRAS and Arcadis for its global net zero Production programme. These partners will bring technical expertise to support the brewery’s global ambition to reach net zero in scope 1 and 2 by 2030.
This will focus on reducing the energy demand at production and logistics sites and transitioning to renewable energy. In particular, the collaboration between Heineken and Royal HaskoningDHV will focus on reducing breweries’ energy demand, redesigning energy systems, and transitioning to renewable energy. Recognising that energy needs and resources vary significantly from one country to another, Royal HaskoningDHV is utilising its dedicated team of engineers, data scientists, and financial specialists to determine the best solution for each brewery within the programme.
Speaking on the news, Sabine Bink, global director for industry and buildings at Royal HaskoningDHV, commented, "It is great to be supporting Heineken’s efforts to reduce the CO2 footprint of their production sites. Building on our longstanding relationship since 1886, we are committed to going the extra mile working towards their net-zero target. Having designed many of Heineken’s sites, we know their processes well. We will start by collect energy usage data, advise on feasible reductions, and create tailormade roadmaps per brewery to help realise their 2030 goals."
The news comes as the global food and drink sector looks to make itself more sustainable, and play its role in reducing the impacts of climate change. However, Scope 3 emissions – a result of the activities of an entity, but from sources not owned or controlled by that entity’s business – remain a neglected force in this race. Previous reports suggest that if a clear plan were implemented taking aim at Scope 3 emissions, the beverage sector could meet current targets as early as 2028.
