Washington, Dec 4 (EFE).- Diageo, maker of Don Julio tequila and Ypióca cachaça, has announced plans that aim to make an impact on sustainability in Latin America through responsible consumption, reduction of water use and greater diversity in its workforce.

The plan, to be carried out until 2030, aims to help reach the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Josafath Rodríguez, Director of Corporate Relations at Diageo for Latin America and the Caribbean, told EFE.

By 2030, Diageo expects to reach more than 1 billion people globally with moderation messages through its brands; change the drinking and driving attitudes of 5 million drivers; and educate more than 10 million people about the dangers of underage drinking through a program called "Smashed."

"It is a fact that in Latin America there is unfortunately consumption at an early age and that is why we are committed to taking an active role to talk about the issue," he said.

However, Rodríguez stressed that the problem "is not specific to the industry", since there needs to be collaboration among the companies in the sector, governments and society to generate a sense of conscience to address the issue "the correct way."

ZERO NET CARBON GOAL Beyond the educational aspect, Diageo also said he hopes to achieve in 2030 several sustainable development goals set by the United Nations.

Among them, Rodríguez highlighted that the company wants to achieve the goal of "net zero carbon" in all direct operations, taking advantage of 100% of renewable energies and working with its suppliers to reduce indirect carbon emissions by 50%.

As a first step, Diageo's Scottish distilleries, Oban and Royal, will achieve carbon neutrality by the end of 2020 and Diageo expects to meet the net zero carbon target in India by 2025.

Diageo's "Spirit of Progress: Society 2030" plan also aims to use 30% less water in every drink it produces.

By 2026, the company will replenish more water than it uses in all its areas, equivalent to more than 4 billion liters of water. The plan includes planting trees, improving water quality and access to sanitation and hygiene.

In Latin America, Rodríguez said that the company was on target at its distillery in Jalisco (Mexico), where more than 25% of the water is already reused.

Additionally, the company recently announced an investment of 100 million reais ($19.5 million) in a plant in Ceará (Brazil) that will reduce water consumption by 40%.

INCREASE THE NUMBER OF WOMEN IN MANAGEMENT POSITIONS The company has also pledged to increase its workforce managers from various ethnic backgrounds by 45% by 2030, as well as women by 50% of its leadership positions.

With this plan, Diageo says it plans to attract and retain the most diverse talent, while creating the most inclusive culture, creating policies and practices to improve representativeness at all levels.

At the same time, the company plans to train 1.5 million people with its "Bar Academy" training program to help create an inclusive and prosperous hospitality sector.

"We want to build a more inclusive world in the long term. This plan reflects our commitment to do business the right way," Rodríguez said. EFE

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