New Delhi, November 21, 2025: Diageo India (United Spirits Ltd.) has released its fourth annual ESG Reporting Index, outlining its performance under the company’s ‘Spirit of Progress’ sustainability framework. The report highlights significant reductions in carbon emissions, expanded water stewardship initiatives, strengthened inclusion and diversity measures, and continued efforts to promote responsible drinking.
According to the 2025 ESG Index, Diageo India has achieved a 93% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from its operations since 2020. The company also reported that 99% of its energy now comes from renewable sources, following its transition from coal to biomass-fuelled boilers across all distilleries. The Index is aligned with GRI Standards and includes additional disclosures under the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) framework.
Jitendra Mahajan, Chief Supply and Sustainability Officer, Diageo India, said, “Our Spirit of Progress ESG agenda reflects the business we are deliberately building- one that grows responsibly, leads with integrity, and creates long-term value. From strengthening water security and accelerating our transition to renewable energy, to advancing inclusion and promoting responsible consumption, our actions demonstrate that a focus on ESG powers performance. As we deepen this momentum, we remain committed to working with partners to build resilient communities, protect natural resources, and shape a more sustainable future for India.”
Key Highlights from the ESG Reporting Index 2025:
1. Grain-to-Glass Sustainability
- Water stewardship, circularity, renewable energy, and community resilience remain core focus areas.
- Water use efficiency improved by 54% in distillation and 35% in packaging processes since 2020.
- 182,000 cubic metres of water were replenished in FY25, contributing to a cumulative 1.1 million cubic metres since 2020 across Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya, Odisha, and Rajasthan.
- The company remains certified by the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) at its Alwar distillery.
- As co-founder of The Godavari Initiative, Diageo India continues to work with partners to restore aquifers and strengthen watershed systems.
On carbon reduction, the company reported:
- Zero coal usage since 2022 and 2.7 MW of in-house solar capacity.
- 99% recyclable packaging, with 59% sourced from recycled inputs and 33% r-PET used in PET bottles.
- Community programmes include mangrove regeneration in Odisha, planting over 1 lakh trees for GHG offset, and 2 lakh trees under Rajasthan’s TOFR programme.
- 430 farmers trained in regenerative agriculture across 2,000+ acres.
2. Inclusion and Diversity
The company reported steady progress on gender and workplace inclusion:
- Women constitute 28% of the executive workforce, 30% of the leadership team, and 50% of the Executive Committee.
- 43 Persons with Disabilities have been hired and upskilled under Project Saksham.
- The Learning for Life programme trained 1,922 individuals in FY25, including 1,282 women.
- Diageo India was recognised as a Gold Employer for LGBT+ Inclusion (2024) by IWEI.
3. Promoting Positive Drinking
- The Act Smart India campaign reached 200,000 youth in FY25.
- The Wrong Side of the Road platform engaged 500,000 consumers across 10 states.
- DRINKiQ continued to support alcohol moderation awareness.
4. Governance
Diageo India highlighted strong independent representation across its Board and oversight committees, with the CSR & ESG Committee monitoring progress against sustainability goals.
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