Grupo Bimbo rocks for its ethicality and energy efficiency ethos
Ethisphere annually identifies the global companies that demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to business integrity through best-in-class ethics, social responsibility, compliance, governance practices and innovation.
But it’s no mean feat, and according to Ethisphere CEO Timonthy Erblich, today, business leaders face their greatest mandate yet to be ethical, accountable and trusted to drive positive change.
In 2022, 136 honourees spanning 22 countries and 45 industries were acknowledged.
Bimbo is the only Mexican company to have made that list and has kept its place for six years in a row.
It was recognised for its on-the-ground actions that reach the countries where it has presence, including implements a Global Agriculture Policy to support economic, environment and social resilience – a commitment to promote these practices in all its supply chains.
Furthermore, Bimbo’s Global Integrity Policy sets both the guidelines and parameters to ensure the understanding and compliance of anti-corruption laws.
Also, it continuously reinforces its staff of associates and suppliers, through annual general and focused training courses on this topic.
"Being recognised as an ethical company means much more than just complying with organisational policy and regulations,” said Daniel Servitje, CEO of Grupo Bimbo, the world’s biggest bakery manufacturer.
“It is about transcending in time, inspiring all our associates to proceed with integrity and, above all, with a true conviction to do and say the right things.”
Energy legend
Meanwhile, Bimbo’s American arm has earned the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star certification for 18 of its bakeries, the highest number in the baking industry, as well as in any industrial sector with production facilities in the US.
Energy Star
Introduced by the EPA in 1992 as a voluntary partnership to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through energy efficiency.
To date, the initiative has helped save nearly 4 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity and achieved over 3 billion metric tons of GHG reductions.
In 2017 alone, Energy Star helped Americans avoid $30b in energy costs.
This positions BBU within the top 25% of commercial bakeries in the nation regarding energy performance and has been achieved by strategically managing its energy use across the entire organisation and making cost-effective improvements at its plants.
Additionally, another two plants have achieved the Energy Star Challenge by reducing their energy intensity by at least 10% within five years. The Atlanta, Georgia, bakery reduced its energy intensity by 17.8% (second time meeting this goal) and La Crosse, Wisconsin, by 10.3% in the past two years.
"We strive to be leaders in sustainability and recognise our obligation to protect and preserve our planet for the next generation,” said Ramon Rivera, senior VP of Operations, BBU.
“We’re proud that we are setting the standard for energy efficiency at manufacturing locations.”
Hailing the CEO
Earning this certification reinforces Grupo Bimbo’s commitment to being a company with Zero Net Carbon Emissions by 2050 and highlights its ‘Purpose – Nourishing a better world’ ethos.
In December 2021, Servitje was – for the second time – recognised as one of the ‘100 Latinos Most Committed to Climate Action’ by Sachamama, a non-profit that works to promote a clean energy economy in line with the Paris Agreement and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The list includes people engaged in areas of climate activism, communications, environmental rights, sustainable policies and business impact.
