~ Comprehensive reporting on global carbon footprint earns Constellation top environmental distinction ~
VICTOR, N.Y., OCT. 16, 2014 - Constellation Brands, Inc. has been recognized as a leader among S&P 500 companies by environmental non-profit CDP for the depth and quality of climate change data it disclosed to investors and the global marketplace. Constellation's leadership status was announced in the CDP S&P 500 Climate Change Report 2014, which presents compelling new evidence of the link between industry leadership on climate change and corporate profitability.
Constellation's sustainability initiatives include the largest solar array in the California wine industry, innovative wastewater treatment systems, and energy saving initiatives that have resulted in cost savings of over $8 million annually. Increased production efficiencies have resulted in Constellation's Fiscal Year 2014 carbon intensity decreasing by 26% over the previous fiscal year.
"Receiving this important environmental distinction affirms our commitment to being conscientious stewards of the natural resources that make the production of our beer, wine and spirits possible across all of our locations," said Rob Sands, president and chief executive officer, Constellation Brands, Inc. "As an agriculture-based company, environmental issues are not only important to us, they are an essential component to our continued growth and success."
This year, the company received a score of 97 (out of 100) on CDP's S&P 500 Climate Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI). The index spotlights companies that have demonstrated a high level of transparency and data quality in their disclosure of climate-related information. Only companies in the top 10 percent for disclosure scores are awarded a position on the CDLI. This year's list includes well-regarded industry leaders -such as Apple, Hewlett-Packard, Johnson & Johnson, Morgan Stanley and UPS.
"We are honored to be recognized among other well-known global companies who are not only transparent about their carbon footprint, but are also taking positive action to manage their impact on climate change," said Diana Vesosky, director, environmental health and safety, Constellation Brands, Inc. "At Constellation, our employees are committed to minimizing our collective environmental impact while operating profitably and building brands that people love."
Paul Simpson, chief executive officer of CDP, says: "Global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, and we face steep financial risk if we do not mitigate them. The need for disclosure of corporate climate change impacts and strategies to reduce them has never been greater. For this reason, we congratulate those businesses that have achieved a position on CDP's S&P 500 Climate Disclosure Leadership Index. These companies are responding to the ever-growing demand for environmental accountability and helping to inspire others to follow suit."
The S&P 500 report including names of companies featured in the CDLI can be found at www.cdp.net. Company disclosures to CDP are scored on a scale of 100 for completeness and data quality. High scores indicate that companies provided robust climate data and conveyed a strong understanding of corporate climate-related issues. This year, the S&P 500 CDLI features companies that earned a score of 97 or higher, demonstrating the high regard that leading companies hold for the collection and communication of climate change information for their investors.
About Constellation Brands
Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B) is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits with operations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Italy. In 2013, Constellation was one of the best performing stocks in the S&P 500. Constellation is the number three beer company in the U.S. with high-end, iconic, imported brands including Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Negra Modelo and Pacifico. Constellation is also the world's leader in premium wine selling great brands that people love including Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Kim Crawford, Rex Goliath, Mark West, Franciscan Estate, Ruffino and Jackson-Triggs. The company's premium spirits brands include SVEDKA Vodka and Black Velvet Canadian Whisky.
Based in Victor, N.Y., the company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to brand-building, our trade partners, the environment, our investors and to consumers around the world who choose our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. Founded in 1945, Constellation has grown to become a significant player in the beverage alcohol industry with more than 100 brands in its portfolio, sales in approximately 100 countries, about 40 facilities and approximately 6,300 talented employees. We express our company vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more, visit www.cbrands.com.
About CDP
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 works with market forces, including 767 institutional investors with assets of US$92 trillion, to motivate companies to disclose their impacts on the environment and natural resources and take action to reduce them. CDP now holds the largest collection globally of primary climate-change, water and forest risk commodities information and puts these insights at the heart of strategic business, investment and policy decisions. Please visit www.cdp.net or follow @CDP to find out more.
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Source: Constellation Brands Inc via Globenewswire
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