Globally, the food sector is one of the business sectors most affected by climate change and Nestlé UK are focusing specifically on climate change adaptation to address this.
We are working to develop Climate Adaptation Plans for each of our Nestlé UK manufacturing sites by the end of 2014. Interactive workshops to develop these draw on the knowledge and expertise of cross-functional, internal teams, as they complete a full analysis of key climate vulnerabilities and develop actions to reduce risks like heat stress, cold stress, flooding, drought and extreme storms. We have used our own business risk tools alongside those available from the Environment Agency and UKCIP (UK Climate Impacts Programme) to create a systematic and thorough approach.
One specific example is our Tutbury site in Derbyshire, which is of key strategic importance to Nestlé globally. It is one of only two centres in the world set up for volume production of Nescafé Dolce Gusto, and exports to 51 countries on five continents. Nearly 1,000 people work there, 50% of whom live within a five-mile radius of the plant.
We are determined to play our part in protecting the communities around our sites as we build future business resilienceFiona Kendrick, Chairman and Chief Executive, Nestlé UK & Ireland
Nestlé has invested £420 million in the factory over the past six years. The area around the plant has, however, experienced increasing incidents of major flooding as the climate changes. To tackle this, Nestlé UK worked with the Environment Agency and local community, contributing £1.65m to a new £8.7m flood defence project in the area, completed in late 2013. Now, over 1,600 homes and businesses are protected from the River Dove and Nestlé has been able to expand its coffee operations, creating over 400 new jobs.
Nestlé UK also aims to engage local communities in our approach, to build awareness and inspire local support for climate change adaptation measures. Our aim is to help communities and our business thrive in the future, and our Climate Change Adaptation approach will be replicated in future in other Nestlé factories around the world.
We recognise that Climate Change Adaptation is an iterative process that calls for close monitoring to ensure improvement. We will review all of our Plans every three years, against the latest scientific findings and research.
Fiona Kendrick, Chairman and Chief Executive, Nestlé UK & Ireland said:
“At Nestlé, we understand that manufacturing and distribution models need to evolve as climate change increasingly impacts supplies of materials, energy and water. We work with partners across government, business and society to address this challenge.
One of our main areas of focus at Nestlé UK has been to create Climate Change Adaptation Plans for all UK factories. We are determined to play our part in protecting the communities around our sites as we build future business resilience. We are proud that our Climate Change Adaptation model will be replicated in more Nestlé factories in other countries in future.“