Firm commits to carbon neutral, invests in solar energy

Nigeria’s consumer goods company, British American Tobacco (BAT) Nigeria, has restated its commitment to addressing climate change, environmental management issues, while ensuring robust corporate governance across its operations.

The group stated this in a message to mark this year’s World Environment Day (WED) in Lagos. The company also highlighted some of its achievements and plans in the areas of waste and water management, reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and transition to renewable energy sources in its operations.

Specifically, the company used the occasion to announce that it is implementing a one MW solar panel renewable energy solution (without backup battery storage) that will complement existing gas engine-powered supply at its Ibadan factory.

The project will involve the installation of 1,900 polar panels, generate a cumulative energy of 1,400,000 KWh yearly, representing about six per cent of the factory’s yearly power requirement, which will be injected directly into the company’s energy mix.

To achieve this, the company is making a significant investment of about £1 million over the next two years on the project, which will reduce its carbon emissions by the equivalent of 992 tons yearly, taking the company closer to its target of 100per cent renewable energy source and carbon neutrality by 2030.

Speaking on the project, the Area Director, BAT West and Central Africa, Yarub Al-Bahrani, said: “BAT Nigeria’s sustainability agenda is integral to our evolved group strategy and reflects our commitment to reducing health impact of our business. This is underpinned by excellence across our other Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities. We are committed to reducing our climate impact, taking care of biodiversity and rethinking our means of consumption.”

Meanwhile, the company has recorded a 23.7 per cent reduction in scope one and two emissions, when compared with the 2017 baseline, among a number of other achievements, including 100 per cent recycling of waste generated at Ibadan factory with zero waste evacuated to landfill, 26.2 per cent reduction in water drawn and four per cent water recycled, as well as the ISO140012015 environmental certification of the Ibadan factory and others.

External Affairs Director, BAT West and Central Africa, Odiri Erewa-Meggison, said: reiterated the need for mankind to live sustainably in harmony with nature. We are proud of the achievements and committed to new ways to reduce our resource use, preserve the natural environment, improve the lives of farmers and communities and uphold robust corporate governance standards.”