Diageo recognized by Carbon Disclosure Project as Best Performing Beverage Company in the World

NORWALK, Conn., Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Diageo, long known as the world's leading premium drinks company, is now also the world's No. 1 beverage company on the issues of climate change strategy, emissions disclosure and performance.

Diageo, with brands including Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Crown Royal, Guinness, Jose Cuervo, Captain Morgan and Beaulieu Vineyard wines, received the recognition from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), an international organization that provides the only global system for companies and cities to measure and manage environmental information.

Diageo's strong global commitment to sustainability, demonstrated most recently by a switch to all biomethane at its Gimli, Manitoba plant and award-winning sustainable design, construction and operation of its New York City offices, earned the company the coveted designation.

Diageo was also awarded membership on the CDP's 'Carbon Performance Leadership Index.' Companies included in this index are viewed as having best practice in terms of governance, strategy and emissions reductions and strongly out-performing the rest of the CDP Global 500 population in all of the key metrics.  Diageo was also awarded a place on the 'Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index,' making it the only beverage company to be listed on both.

The Carbon Disclosure Leadership index highlights the constituent companies within the FTSE Global Equity Index Series (Global 500) which have displayed the strongest approach to climate change disclosure. Achieving a high score indicates good internal data management and understanding of climate change related issues affecting the company.

"Diageo is committed to building a sustainable business and we take our responsibility to the environment very seriously," said Guy Smith, Executive Vice President, at Diageo. "We are proud to have our efforts recognized by the CDP. This will serve to further reinforce our commitment to driving strong performance in all areas of sustainability, which is a key driver of our North American business."

Paul Simpson, Chief Executive Officer of CDP, said: "Companies that make the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index have demonstrated strong internal data management practices for the measurement of greenhouse gas emissions and energy use.  They are also giving clear consideration to the business issues related to climate change and their exposure to climate-related risks and opportunities. This is vital to realizing greater efficiencies, protecting the business from risk and capitalizing on opportunities."

The Global 500 report including names of companies featured in the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index can be found at www.cdproject.net.  

About Diageo
Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Windsor Buchanan's and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people and its brands, visit www.diageo.com.  For Diageo's global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit www.DRINKiQ.com.

Diageo's Sustainability & Responsibility Report 2012 is available on an interactive website http://srreport2012.diageoreports.com/

About CDP
The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is an international, not-for-profit organization providing the only global system for companies and cities to measure, disclose, manage and share vital environmental information.  CDP harnesses the power of market forces, including 655 institutional investors with assets of US$78 trillion, to collect information from companies on their greenhouse gas emissions and assessment of climate change and water risk and opportunity.  CDP now holds the largest collection globally of primary climate change and water data and puts these insights at the heart of strategic business, investment and policy decisions.  Please visit www.cdproject.net to find out more.

SOURCE Diageo