- Diageo India has achieved a 93% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2020, utilises 99% renewable energy, and now sends zero waste to landfills.
- The company improved water efficiency by 54%, replenished over 11 lakh cubic metres of water, and advanced gender representation across its leadership and sustainability initiatives.
Diageo India (United Spirits Ltd.) has announced a 93% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2020. The company released this update in its fourth annual ESG Index. It has also achieved 99% renewable energy use across all its sites. Consequently, this milestone places the firm well ahead of its 2030 targets.
As a result, Diageo India now stands as a leading example of sustainability within the alcoholic beverage sector. Furthermore, the ESG Index aligns with the Global Reporting Initiative, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board. It covers the 2024–2025 financial year and highlights progress in water conservation, low-carbon action, and community support in water-stressed regions.
Jitendra Mahajan, Chief Supply and Sustainability Officer, stated that the company aims to grow responsibly and create long-term value. Moreover, his comments reflect Diageo India’s intent to place sustainability at the centre of its operational model. The company has improved water-use efficiency at distilleries by 54 per cent. It has also enhanced efficiency at packaging sites by 35% since 2020. In addition, it replenished 1,82,000 cubic metres of water in FY25. This effort brings the total replenishment since 2020 to 11 lakh cubic metres. These achievements extend across Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and several other states. Notably, the Godavari Initiative remains a major contributor as it restores aquifers.
The phase-out of coal in 2022 played a significant role in reducing emissions. Furthermore, the company now sends zero waste to landfill. It also uses 99% recyclable packaging. Diageo India trained 430 smallholder farmers in regenerative agriculture. Likewise, gender representation has continued to improve. Women now make up 28 per cent of executives, 30 per cent of the leadership team and 50 per cent of the executive committee.
Skilling programmes reached 1,922 people. Additionally, women comprised 67 per cent of the participants. The programmes also supported 303 persons with disabilities. Meanwhile, the Diageo India Bar Academy trained more than 9,400 bartenders. Responsible drinking campaigns reached large youth groups. For instance, Act Smart India engaged two lakh young people to curb underage access. Anti–drunk–driving efforts reached five lakh individuals. Moreover, the DRINKiQ platform continues to promote moderation and informed choices.
The ESG Index also emphasises governance. Diageo India maintains a diverse board and conducts quarterly sustainability reviews. These practices strengthen its role as a sector leader as India advances its broader sustainability goals.