Alina Oprea • 23 March, 2023 at 8:56 AM
In its first Combined Annual and ESG Report, BAT announced significant results in achieving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives. Regarding the management of the water used in its production processes in 2022, BAT`s report shows that 24 own operation sites are certified by the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), including the BAT factory in Ploiesti, which obtained the AWS certification last year; 22.6% of used water volume was recycled; 33% reduction in water withdrawn vs 2017 baseline was registered, which means a 7% reduction in water drawn vs 2021; 82% of tobacco hectares in our Tobacco Supply Chain have best practice soil and water management plans in place.
"Efficient water management is vital for the responsible use of resources, both at the individual and organizational level. Consistency and perseverance are needed in this endeavor and the theme of this year's World Water Day is <accelerating change>, complemented by the slogan <Be the change you would like to see in the world>, a message that we have also supported through the years within our <Choose Responsibly for a Clean City> campaigns. BAT is engaged in building A Better Tomorrow™ for consumers and for society, both by fulfilling our business sustainability objectives, towards which we are taking decisive steps, as well as through campaigns related to the responsibility of our individual choices," says Ileana Dumitru, Legal, and External Affairs Director, Central Europe South Area at BAT.
In 2020, BAT announced targets for reducing the health impact of its business, reaching environmental protection excellency, generating a positive social impact, and engaging in correct and responsible commercial practices. BAT`s targets include reaching 50 million consumers of its non-combustible products by 2030; reaching net zero CO2 emissions across its value chain by 2030; 100% renewable energy by 2030.
In water management, BAT aims by 2025:
· 35% reduction in water withdrawn by 2025 vs 2017 baseline;
· 100% of operations sites Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) certified by 2025 - this globally recognized independent certification will contribute to the validation of the sustainable use of water by BAT;
· 30% of water recycled by 2025.
BAT, the local tobacco market leader, generated an impact of over €125 billion on the Romanian economy in its first 25 years of activity on the local market. Out of this amount, BAT paid close to €24 billion directly, mostly as excises and other taxes.
In 2020, BAT became the largest contributor to Romania's budget, after paying over RON9.6 billion (€1.92 billion) in taxes and excise.
BAT remained the most significant contributor to the state budget in 2021, with close to RON11 billion (€2.2 billion) paid in taxes and excise.
BAT is the tobacco industry leader in Romania, with over 50% market share.