Corporate Citizenship
The Coca-Cola Company: Investing in Water Quality and Availability
As a global leader in the beverage industry, water quality and availability are vital to our business. Water is the first ingredient in most of our drinks, central to our manufacturing process and necessary to grow the agricultural ingredients on which we rely. Safe, accessible water is also essential to the health of people, communities, ecosystems and economies—important considerations for business growth and as we work to contribute to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
While water stress and challenges continue to increase in certain regions, we believe the world has enough fresh water to meet growing demands if correctly managed and respected. As we work to establish a more sustainable business on a global scale, we have focused our water stewardship efforts on the areas where we can have the greatest impact: improving water-use efficiency and reuse in our bottling plants; managing wastewater and storm water discharge to prevent pollution; replenishing the water we use in our finished beverages across our communities and watersheds; and helping manage water resources in our agricultural ingredient supply chain.
The foundation of our water stewardship work is our comprehensive risk mitigation strategy. To source water responsibly and manage risks for our business and communities, we need to have a clear understanding of where our water comes from, the availability of water supplies in communities, the current and expected future stresses on the water supply (both as to quantity and quality), and the roles we can play in helping address the shared challenges in watersheds where we operate. We do this by conducting global, plant-level water risk assessments and by requiring each of the approximately 800 Coca-Cola system facilities to assess local vulnerabilities and implement plans to address them.
Continuing to Replenish the Water We Use
In 2017, we continued to replenish 100% of the water used in our finished beverages back to communities and nature, a goal we first met in 2015. Projects implemented by the end of 2017 are replenishing an estimated 248 billion liters per year through community and watershed projects globally, as estimated with the help of our many reputable partner organizations using peer-reviewed scientific and technical methods.
These community water projects are conducted with the expertise and support of many critical partners such as World Wildlife Fund (WWF), USAID, The Nature Conservancy, Water For People, Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP), Global Water Challenge, UN-Habitat and UNDP. You can learn more about some of these projects through our Water Map.
The replenish projects we support focus on improving safe access to water for human consumption and sanitation; protecting watersheds by improving water capture, storage and quality; and providing water for productive use, such as increased water availability or water efficiency in farming. Replenish volume contributions from these projects in 2017 were 81% for protecting watersheds, 15% for water for productive use, and 4% for safe access to water and sanitation.
Of central importance to the health of our communities is access to clean water and sanitation. Nearly 3 million people have gained access to more safe drinking water and sanitation through our water programs. Contributing greatly to this achievement are our Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN) and our New World partnership. At the end of 2017, RAIN had provided safe drinking water to more than 2.8 million people in Africa and supported water, sanitation and hygiene programs in more than 2,000 communities across 39 African countries. New World, our partnership initiated in 2014 with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and managed by the Global Water Challenge since 2016, has invested in 44 projects across 19 countries since its launch. It is directly providing access to improved water, sanitation and enhanced water management to 127,000 people and has introduced women and youth empowerment activities to approximately 14,000 people.
Also in 2017, One Drop (the charitable foundation of the Cirque du Soleil), the Inter-American Development Bank, The Coca-ColaFoundation and FEMSA Foundation announced a $25 million investment in Lazos de Agua, an initiative to provide 200,000 citizens with access to safe and affordable water, improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Colombia and Paraguay by 2021. Lazos de Agua promotes behavioral change toward adequate water usage and hygiene practices through social arts.
In the world’s most water-scarce regions, we are also pushing hard to replenish local water resources because this is where we know we can really make a difference.
The Coca-Cola Company returned nearly 98% of the water used in its finished beverages back to communities and nature in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan in 2017 for a total of nearly 6.6 billion liters returned. To date, The Coca-Cola Company and our philanthropic foundations have implemented 29 replenishment projects throughout the region, including in Pakistani, Jordanian, Egyptian, Iraqi, Lebanese, Moroccan, Tunisian, Mauritanian and Palestinian communities.
Improving Our Water-Use Efficiency
A fundamental pillar of our water stewardship work is managing the water use in our worldwide bottling plants. By 2020, we aim to reduce our water-use ratio while growing our unit case volume, with a target to improve water efficiency by 25% over 2010 levels. In 2017, our water efficiency improved for the 15th consecutive year, with a 2.55% improvement over 2016, a 15% improvement over 2010, and a 29.3% improvement over 2004.
In 2004, we were using 2.7 liters of water to make 1 liter of product. That means that 1 liter of water was in the product and another 1.7 liters was used in the manufacturing process, mostly for keeping equipment clean. At the end of 2017, we were using 1.92 liters of water to make 1 liter of product, with the goal to reduce it to 1.7 liters of water by 2020. Through improved water-use efficiency, we can save around $1 billion (cumulative 2011 through 2020) systemwide in water acquisition, internal handling and discharge fees.
Water in Agriculture
With agriculture using about 70% of the world’s freshwater resources, improving water management in farming is critical to achieving overall sustainability of water resources. We also believe, however, that sustainable water use at the farm level is not achieved in isolation from other practices, but because of integrated farm management.
As part of our water stewardship and replenish work, we continue to increase support of projects that aim to improve the productive use of water, especially in areas at high risk of water stress or pollution. In many cases, our projects work to reduce water abstractions and improve water efficiency in farming or reduce pesticide use and farm runoff to reduce pollution of waterways. Examples include collaborative projects with berry farmers in the unique ecosystem of the Spanish Donana region and with orange growers in the Valencia region.
We are also working with our global partner WWF to advance the work on valuing nature and to make it practical, for example, to help farming communities establish which sustainable farming practices provide the highest benefit for protecting watersheds.
With our global and extended supply chains, our suppliers play an important role in addressing water risks of their farmers. Good water management practices, like water-use assessments and water efficiency measures at farm level are an essential part of our Sustainable Agriculture Guiding Principles (SAGP) and Supplier Guiding Principles, as are good pesticide and soil management. As we engage our suppliers on our 2020 sustainable sourcing agenda, we also help to address water use in our agricultural supply chain.
Engaging in Water Policy Reform
Solving water supply, quality and access gaps will require tough decisions, in many places and across all societal segments. However, we believe the ultimate responsibility for more sustainable and equitable water resource management lies with governments and public authorities. That is why we work with international policy collaboration platforms such as the CEO Water Mandate and 2030 Water Resources Group to help advise on water policy reform. As a system closely tied to water and one that works in more than 200 countries and territories, we have a unique position and expansive experience with this precious resource. We hope to provide valuable insights to relevant discussions and subsequent policies.
Learn more at www.coca-colacompany.com/water-stewardship-replenish-report and by visiting our water map.
Source: www.coca-colacompany.com
Corporate Citizenship
LG Electronics Commissions Solar-Powered Boreholes in Two Communities in Port Harcourt
LG Electronics announces the commissioning of solar-powered boreholes in the Nkpogu and Elekahia communities in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. This initiative reflects LG’s continued commitment to sustainable development, community empowerment, and improving basic living conditions for underserved populations.
The newly installed boreholes are powered by solar energy, ensuring a reliable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective water supply. The solar-powered system eliminates dependence on diesel generators and Nigeria’s often unstable power grid, allowing the boreholes to operate consistently with minimal maintenance costs. This innovative project supports LG’s mission to create a better life through technology while minimizing environmental impact.
“LG Electronics is honored to support the Nkpogu and Elekahia communities with a solution that addresses a fundamental need – access to clean water. This initiative is part of our broader commitment to corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and enhancing the quality of life in the communities we serve,” said Hari Elluru, Head of corporate Marketing, at LG Electronics Nigeria. “We hope that this project will significantly improve daily living standards, reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, and provide these communities with a reliable source of clean water.”
The Clean Water Initiative by LG Electronics Nigeria is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life for communities in need. By addressing the fundamental necessity of clean water, this initiative aims to improve daily living standards and plays a crucial role in reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases that threaten public health. Through its dedication to corporate social responsibility and sustainability, LG Electronics is paving the way for a future where access to reliable clean water is no longer a privilege but a fundamental right for all. This holistic approach not only reflects the company’s values but also inspires hope and encourages collective action towards a healthier, more sustainable environment for every individual, he said.
Chieftains, local community leaders and members of both communities including the school authorities were also present at the ceremony, acknowledging LG’s efforts in supporting community development in Port Harcourt. In remarks made by Eze (Hon) Okechukwu Abbey, Eze Nchemini of Rebisi & Secretary, Port Harcourt city council of traditional rulers, he expressed gratitude for LG’s tangible support in improving essential infrastructure, thus contributing to economic and social progress in the community.
The installation of the solar-powered boreholes builds on LG Electronics’ broader vision of driving sustainable development and fostering social impact in all its markets. The company has pledged to expand similar projects across Africa as part of its long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and community empowerment.
In his Opening Speech, Branch Manager, Fouani Nig. Ltd, Mr. Mahmoud Youssef said “Access to clean and safe drinking water is fundamental to health and well-being. Water keeps you hydrated, it flushes out toxins, sends nutrition around your body, and aids in digestion. By using solar energy, this project will remain efficient and cost-effective over time, ensuring that Nkpogu has a reliable water source for many years to come.” He emphasized the importance of community involvement in maintaining the system, stating that local residents would be trained to manage and oversee the operations. “Together, we can create a sustainable future where every household has access to this vital resource,” he concluded, inspiring hope among the attendees.
The project aligns with Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. LG Electronics believes that by investing in clean water solutions, it is not only supporting healthier communities but also contributing to a sustainable future.
The overwhelming enthusiasm demonstrated by community members and students reflects a collective spirit that thrives on collaboration and generosity. Their eagerness to engage with the project highlights not only the importance of community involvement but also the profound impact that shared resources can have on local initiatives. The satisfaction expressed over the donated items underscores a strong sense of gratitude and appreciation, further galvanizing support for future endeavors.
Together, these elements reveal a vibrant community poised for growth, driven by a shared vision and an unwavering commitment to enhancing their environment. This dynamic interplay of excitement, gratitude, and active participation serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when individuals unite for a common cause.
Corporate Citizenship
Heirs Insurance Group Announces Winners of N8 Million Essay Championship Scholarship
L:R- Charles Odii DG, SMEDAN; Alhaji Misbau Umar Yola, Non-Executive Director, Heirs General Insurance; Niyi Onifade, MD/CEO, Heirs Life Assurance and the Group’s Sector Head; Hephzibah Chidi, Winner, 2024 Heirs Insurance Essay Championship; Tony Aniemeke, MD/CEO, Heirs Insurance Brokers and Ifesinachi Okpagu, Chief Marketing Officer, Heirs Insurance Group.
Heirs Insurance Group, Nigeria’s fastest-growing insurance Group, has announced the winners of its 2024 Essay Championship, who will be awarded N8million scholarship. The winners were announced at a grand ceremony at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, as part of an all-expense paid event hosted by the Group for the finalists, their parents and school representatives.
The winner, Hephzibah Chidi from Seacrest Preparatory in Rivers State, who won the first-place position and a N5million scholarship, captivated the judges with her winning essay and presentation of “The Story of My Hero”. In addition to her N5M Scholarship, Hephzibah Chidi’s school, Seacrest Preparatory was awarded a N1M grant to support an educational project.
The other winners include Pemisire Owolabi from Quest College in Oyo State, who won second place with a N2million scholarship, and Mariam Raheem from Isador Model School in Lagos State, who won the third-place position with a N1million scholarship.
All winners received their awards in the presence of their parents and school representatives, distinguished guests, including, Director General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii, and hosts of the event – Niyi Onifade, MD/CEO, Heirs Life Assurance and the Group’s Sector Head; Tony Aniemeke, MD/CEO, Heirs Insurance Brokers, among others.
This year’s Championship attracted nearly 5,000 participants from Junior Secondary Schools nationwide, all showcasing exceptional creativity and innovative ideas. The Championship highlights Heirs Insurance Group’s unwavering commitment to supporting education and promoting financial literacy.
Speaking at the event, Niyi Onifade, MD/CEO, Heirs Life Assurance and Sector Head, Heirs Insurance Group, said: “At Heirs Insurance Group, we understand that education is not only a pathway to a better future but also a catalyst for financial empowerment. Through this Championship, we are nurturing young talent and bridging the financial literacy gap, fulfilling our purpose of improving lives and transforming Nigeria”.
Speaking further, Onifade praised the outstanding efforts of all participants, “I am proud of the creativity and critical thinking displayed by our finalists, as well as every student who submitted an essay. These young minds are shaping the future of our country, and we are proud to support them.”
A distinguished panel of academic professionals, led by a Professor of English, rigorously evaluated each entry. The top 15 essays advanced to the next round of assessments, from which the top 3 finalists were chosen to compete in the grand finale. To ensure the highest standards of fairness and transparency, Deloitte & Touche was engaged as an independent Quality Assurer throughout the grading process, guaranteeing a free and fair evaluation for all participants.
The Heirs Insurance Essay Championship is a key component of Heirs Insurance Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, geared towards enhancing the quality of education for the next generation. The Championship also highlights emerging talent, bringing parents and children closer to insurance through extended financial literacy workshops.
Corporate Citizenship
ATIDI Supports Education for Displaced Children in Burundi through its CSR Program
The African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) has announced a financial contribution of $40,000 to Street Child in Burundi. This contribution is aimed at improving educational opportunities for displaced children in Gatumba and reflects ATIDI’s dedication to tackling critical social issues and promoting sustainable development. Through its CSR programs, ATIDI is committed to advancing sustainable development, addressing pressing social challenges, and fostering economic stability across Africa.
Burundi has recently experienced severe climate change-related disasters, including heavy rains, strong winds, hail, and rising Lake Tanganyika waters, causing frequent flooding. This has led to repeated displacement of families, particularly affecting children and adolescents who represent over 60% of internally displaced persons. The education sector has been severely impacted, with at least 80% of schools in Gatumba suffering from flooding, damaged classrooms, and lost educational materials, putting over 30,000 children at risk of not completing their school year.
Commenting on the donation, ATIDI CEO Manuel Moses said, “Education is the cornerstone of sustainable development, and we at ATIDI are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children in Burundi. By supporting the construction of these classrooms, we are investing in the future of these young minds and fostering long-term growth across the continent. We are proud to partner with Street Child Social Action for Development (S.A.D.) for this vital project.”
ATIDI’s support has therefore facilitated the successful construction and equipping of six permanent classrooms in two primary schools, “Kigwati” and “Village du Développement.” This initiative now provides educational access to at least 300 children affected by the Gatumba floods. The project aligns with Burundi’s National Development Plan for 2018 -2027 and the Ministry of National Education and Scientific Research’s Sectoral Plan for 2020 – 2023.
Street Child Country Representative in Burundi Jolien Van den Broeck thanked ATIDI for the generous support, adding that the donation was more than just building classrooms, but restoring hope and creating opportunities for displaced children in Gatumba.
“At Street Child, we believe that every child deserves the chance to learn, no matter their circumstances. Together with ATIDI, we are committed to making a lasting impact on the most vulnerable communities in Burundi,” Broeck said.
Beyond constructing classrooms, the project emphasizes the promotion of education for all children, community mobilization, and active participation in regular and effective monitoring. The objective is to ensure that the local community, administration, and stakeholders understand the merits of the project, fostering a sense of ownership. This collaborative approach will engage all parties in monitoring the school’s functioning and maintenance, resulting in a sustainable impact and guaranteeing quality education for all.
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