For the first time, BAT Vietnam has been recognized as one of the Top 10 most sustainable businesses in Vietnam, an achievement announced at the 2024 CSI 100 Awards. The company also earned a spot among the Top 5 pioneers in adopting and implementing diversity, equality, and inclusion values.

The recognition comes as part of the Program for Benchmarking and Announcing Sustainable Companies in Vietnam (CSI 100), now in its ninth year. Organized by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) alongside government and labor organizations, the program evaluates businesses across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. BAT Vietnam’s leap into the Top 10 follows six years of consistent ranking and a Top 11 placement in 2023.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Ms. Do Hoang Anh, Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at BAT Vietnam, expressed the company’s pride in this milestone. “Being recognized as one of the Top 10 most sustainable businesses in Vietnam is a tremendous honor for BAT Vietnam,” she said. “This is a testament to our strong commitment and concrete results in implementing the sustainable development program in Vietnam. Sustainable development is not just a short-term goal. It is a long-term vision and commitment, and represents how we shape the future of BAT in Vietnam.”

Environmental initiatives have played a central role in BAT Vietnam’s sustainability efforts. The company has focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its operations (Scopes 1 and 2) and its broader value chain (Scope 3). It has also worked to conserve biodiversity and ecosystems through projects such as a mangrove reforestation initiative in partnership with GAIA Nature Conservation Center.

By the end of 2024, BAT Vietnam had completed its commitment to regenerate 120 ha of mudflats into mangroves in the Mekong Delta’s Ca Mau province and forested 4 ha in southern Dong Nai province. Over 220,000 saplings, now standing between 1.2 and 1.5 meters tall, have been grown up in these areas. This work will continue, with a goal of transforming all 120 ha into mature mangrove forests by 2030.

In addition to environmental achievements, BAT Vietnam has also been recognized for its commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion. Forty-six per cent of the company’s management roles are currently held by female employees. Community-focused programs such as the “Women’s Empowerment” initiative in the Mekong Delta’s Long An province further reflect these values. This program, implemented with local Women’s Unions, provides interest-free loans to underrepresented women in border areas to help them improve their livelihoods and living conditions. Since 2022, the program has supported 136 women, benefiting more than 540 individuals in their communities.

Corporate governance remains a cornerstone of BAT Vietnam’s approach. The company emphasizes ethical practices and transparency, a commitment highlighted in its recently released Vietnam Sustainability Report 2023. The third of its kind, this report highlights several key achievements by BAT Vietnam across ESG areas, showcasing the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainable practices.

In the environmental domain, the company recorded an average annual reduction of 950 tons of CO₂e between 2021 and 2023 (Scopes 1 and 2), compared to its 2020 baseline, achieved through investments in energy efficiency projects and management systems. The BAT - Vinataba JV secured PAS 2060 certification for Scopes 1 and 2 CO₂e emissions, while 100 per cent of the electricity used at operational sites was sourced from renewable energy. The JV also obtained Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) certification, reflecting significant water conservation efforts, including saving 1,260,360 cubic meters of water through drip irrigation in tobacco cultivation. Additionally, the company achieved zero waste-to-landfill from direct operations and made progress in reforestation efforts by zoning 40 ha of mudflats for mangrove regeneration in the Ca Mau Cape National Park and planting 1,000 saplings across 2 ha in the Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve.

On the social front, BAT Vietnam expanded its “Ripe Top” project to cover 180 ha, producing 272 tons of green leaves while enhancing farmer livelihoods. The company’s community investment activities reached 50,851 beneficiaries, supported by 1,608 volunteer hours contributed by employees.

In governance, BAT Vietnam has emphasized compliance and ethical business practices, with 100 per cent of employees completing training on the Standards of Business Conduct (SoBC) and the associated compliance sign-off procedure.

These achievements underscore BAT Vietnam’s holistic approach to sustainability, integrating environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and strong governance to create long-term value for stakeholders.