(Justmeans.com / CSR News) -

March 17, 2010 – Anheuser-Busch InBev announced this week an aggressive set of three year sustainability goals under their Better World commitment, including a reduction in water usage from operations of 30% by 2012, which would make them the brewing industry’s global leader in water efficiency.

In 2007, the world’s largest brewer used 5.03 liters of water for every liter of production, and by 2009 had reduced that number to 4.3 liters. Their goal of 3.5 liters by 2012 represents a 30% reduction in water use from their 2007 usage and an almost 20% reduction from their 2009 usage. In addition to water goals, AB InBev has also established a large set of environmental goals under the Better World program.

By 2012, the company hopes to increase their brewery waste recycling and reuse rate to 99%, up from 97.2% in 2007 and 98% in 2009. Since 2007, they have reduced energy use per liter of production by 10.9%, and they hope to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and energy use an additional 10% for every liter produced by the end of 2012.

Carlos Brito, Chief Executive Officer of Anheuser-Busch InBev, commented that "Our global goals, including our 3.5 hectoliter water usage goal, mark a major step forward for our Company and are a central part of our vision to be the Best Beer Company in a Better World. Reducing our environmental impact is one of the three Better World pillars we focus on, next to promoting responsible drinking and contributing to the communities in which we operate."

If AB InBev reaches their goals, they would become the world’s most water efficient brewer. One of their major American competitors, Miller Brewing, has presented the same goal of a 3.5:1 water/beer production ratio, but their timeline extends until 2015. MillerCoors, a partnership between Miller and Coors brewing companies, also ranks among the most efficient brewers, recycling 98% of all waste and recording a 4.1:1 water/beer production ratio in 2009.