Brown-Forman Releases Interim CSR Report, Expands on Environmental and Other Data

Louisville, Ky. -- Wine and spirits producer Brown-Forman has released an interim corporate responsibility report that declares the firm's North American operations reduced emissions by 10 percent from 2005 to 2007 as a result of energy efficiency programs. The report also updates efforts in other environmental and social areas.

Brown-Forman Corporation produces and markets Jack Daniel's, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Tequila Herradura, el Jimador Tequila, Canadian Mist, Fetzer and Bonterra wines and Korbel California Champagnes.

The company, which had $3.3 billion in net sales during fiscal year 2008, is based in Louisville, Ken., and includes operations in Mexico, Australia, China and Poland. The firm issued its first CSR report last year, and its interim report consists of several updated and expanded webpages that build on the company's published report.

The data included in the interim report aligns largely with requests and recommendations for more information that were contained in CSR reader surveys. The feedback from those surveys is also detailed in the interim report.

The updated web pages indicate that while the firm's overall greenhouse gas emissions rose 10 percent from 2005 to 2007 because of an increase in inventory internationally, GHG emissions from Canada and U.S. operations dropped 10 percent because of energy efficiency programs.

Efforts by producers of one of the firm's brands, Fetzer Vineyards in California, was recognized for its energy efficiency projects. Just last month, Fetzer Vineyards received the Flex Your Power Award from the California Public Utilities Commission for the operation's work to insulate fermentation tanks, which saves 53,942 kWh annually; install high efficiency linear fluorescent lights, which reduces energy usage by 255,532 kilowatt hours annually; and use of lighter weight bottles, which saves the equivalent of 4,434,470 kWh throughout the production process and supply chain and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 14 percent a year — roughly the equivalent of 2,985 tons of carbon, according to the firm. It was the second time Fetzer had won the award; the first time was in 2005.

Brown-Forman said in its interim report on energy and GHGs that it will set an overall corporate goal for GHG reduction by July 1.

Brown-Forman's update also looks at water use. The firm reported that its total use in production decreased 11 percent from CY2005 to CY2006 mostly because of efficiency projects. The firm said such projects continue, but the addition of international operation resulted in an overall increase of 3 percent, rising from 694 million gallons to 713 million gallons, in total water used from 2005 to 2007.

Brown-Forman's next full Corporate Responsibility Report is to be published this summer. The upcoming 2009-2010 report is to have print and web components, and its print version is expected to focus on alcohol responsibility will be the major focus of the print report.