BAT Vietnam named sustainable business at CSI Awards

BAT Vietnam also issued its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report for 2022, outlining its strategic approach.

The double awards for sustainability efforts

This is the fifth time in the past eight years that BAT Vietnam has been named in the Sustainable Businesses category, demonstrating the company’s progress.

The circular economy award was based on the company's Corporate Sustainability Index (CSI) performance scores and its impressive achievements in reducing energy usage and converting to green energy sources.

This has resulted in an annual energy consumption reduction of more than 2,100 tons of CO₂ compared to 2018, zero waste to landfill from both joint-venture factories, and more than 99 per cent of waste recycled.

Sustainable development is an indispensable part of BAT Group's strategy and purpose to 'Build a Better Tomorrow'. This is strongly underpinned by its ESG commitments and actions.

BAT Vietnam’s sustainability goals are well aligned with the targets set by the Vietnamese government, which contribute to the National Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030 according to the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

This commitment from BAT Vietnam is backed by clear, specific, and measurable goals in each pillar of the ESG agenda.

According to Pham Hung Anh Tuan, head of operations at BAT Vietnam, the CSI by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry is an essential tool to support sustainable corporate governance, helping the business community to self-assess the effectiveness and impact of its sustainable development activities, thereby driving and improving sustainability programmes.

“Accomplishing those indices and being recognised at the CSI 100 Awards 2023 offer businesses like us a valuable opportunity to enhance brand reputation, consolidate the trust of stakeholders, and drive our competitive capabilities,” said Tuan.

ESG as part of corporate governance

This is the second time that BAT Vietnam has issued its ESG report. It provides a strategic vision with clear standards and goals, and offers an overview of the company's sustainable development activities and performance in 2022.

To implement their environmental commitments, BAT Vietnam is striving to contribute to the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

The business is also adopting circular economy principles, ensuring zero waste enters landfill at both manufacturing sites, and empowering its employees to make changes to minimise their environmental impact.

It is working 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 its social focus, BAT Vietnam is committed to improving the livelihoods of farmers in its supply chain through increased productivity and incomes.

Ensuring zero accidents company-wide and creating a safe and equal working environment are BAT Vietnam's top priorities as it cultivates a culture of diversity, inclusion and solidarity.

For robust corporate governance, the company has pledged to maintain a culture of integrity, with full adherence to the group's Standards of Business Conduct and International Marketing Principles.

BAT Vietnam's achievements in sustainable development show a significant step forward on its transformation journey that has required close collaboration with the government.

BAT Vietnam creates shared values for the community In March, BAT Vietnam held a ceremony to summarise the “Women Empowerment” programme and continued to disburse a sponsorship loan for disadvantaged women in Duc Hue district in the southern province of Long An.

BAT Vietnam focuses on diversity and inclusion Employers and business leaders around the world have been trying to predict how diversity and inclusion (D&I) trends impact work cultures. Hamzah Fazal, head of Talent, Culture & Inclusion, BAT Vietnam talked with VIR’s Bich Ngoc about his views.

BAT Vietnam wins at the 2023 'Corporate Sustainability Awards' British American Tobacco (BAT) Vietnam was honoured at the 2023 'Top 50 Corporate Sustainability Awards' at a ceremony held by Nhip Cau Dau Tu Magazine at the Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City on June 29.