Net Zero: A journey of values ​​that cannot be weighed against money

Vi Nam |

What does Vinamilk's "captain" say about the path to the "Net Zero" goal that this business has committed to achieving by 2050 - challenges, opportunities or values ​​that cannot be exchanged...

“It is never enough to talk about Net Zero because it covers many issues or challenges that a business needs to do. But no matter what the problem is, it is a journey of values ​​that Vinamilk never puts on the scale to compare with money ," Vinamilk General Director Mai Kieu Lien opened the conversation on sustainable development. sustainability of the business.

If you want to develop, you must benefit the community

The Net Zero goal is being mentioned by many businesses following the government's commitment. Is there a "race" in the story of sustainable development and what are Vinamilk's principles?

- Sustainable development is not competition. Each business has its own way and contribution. It is also important to understand that we cannot achieve the Net Zero goal if we go alone. If there is a “race” here, it is our own race against time.

Business will have ups and downs, but sustainable development must come from responsibility, from what you feel you need to do even if it is not required. Over the past 48 years, Vinamilk will do whatever serves the community's interests, and when it does, Vinamilk will follow international standards. This is the principle that I always remind my colleagues.

Ms. Mai Kieu Lien, General Director of Vinamilk. Photo: Vinamilk
Ms. Mai Kieu Lien, General Director of Vinamilk. Photo: Vinamilk

When did the process of implementing Vinamilk's sustainable development goals, more specifically Net Zero, begin?

- Before the Net Zero commitment by 2050 was announced, we implemented programs such as planting 1 million trees since 2012, publishing a sustainable development report for the past 12 years, or operating farms , the factory followed emission reduction criteria many years ago.

Since the 1990s, Vinamilk has joined hands with dairy farmers to build fresh milk raw material areas and develop the domestic dairy industry. When Vinamilk farms are built, we invest in making farms according to standards such as Global GAP, following global good agricultural practices. In 2013, Vinamilk invested in building a super dairy factory in Binh Duong. At that time, from production lines, processing technology, robots, smart warehouses to the factory's management and operation process, it was in the direction of saving energy. quantity and reduce emissions. At Vinamilk stores across the country, since the past 5 years, Vinamilk has completely switched to using biodegradable plastic bags and environmentally friendly bags.

As she mentioned, Vinamilk has carried out work towards sustainable development many years ago. At Vinamilk, what is the way for such projects or long-term journeys to continue?

- Persistence. This persistence has accompanied Vinamilk for 48 years, with many generations, not just in one project or one program. Like the 1 million trees for Vietnam program that we implemented more than 10 years ago, starting with a few hundred, a few thousand trees, gradually the goal of 1 million trees was achieved and even exceeded.

Recently, when conducting a project to regenerate mangrove forests in Ca Mau, Vinamilk employees excitedly waded through mud, regardless of rain or shine, to build fences to help regenerate the forest. We are a team working together towards Net Zero, towards sustainable development, not just a single individual.

Vinamilk's Green Farm ecological farm in Tay Ninh, Quang Ngai and Thanh Hoa is a typical model of sustainable agriculture. Photo: Vinamilk
Vinamilk's Green Farm ecological farm in Tay Ninh, Quang Ngai and Thanh Hoa is a typical model of sustainable agriculture. Photo: Vinamilk

Willing to change, always working with the highest standards

She once answered in an interview: "I am not afraid of changing business policies if that is necessary." It can be seen that the leader plays a decisive role in Vinamilk's Net Zero roadmap?

- Yes, I'm willing to change if it's necessary. Having gone through many positions at Vinamilk, when reflecting, I see that if the leader gives direction but cannot convince the team, it will not be successful. The Net Zero roadmap has now entered Vinamilk's general strategy and has been specifically included in the goals of functional blocks and units. That roadmap no longer depends on individual leaders but on processes or standard systems that are followed and implemented.

At Vinamilk, these standards are continuously improved, done well and better. For example, in the past, standard A was good for managing greenhouse gas emissions, but now to neutralize emissions, we need standard B... In today's rapidly changing environment, people who are not progressive , continuously upgrading knowledge and skills will make it difficult to create value for the business.

Vietnam Dairy Factory (Mega Factory) in Binh Duong is not only known for its modernity but is also a leader in green production. Photo: Vinamilk
Vietnam Dairy Factory (Mega Factory) in Binh Duong is not only known for its modernity but is also a leader in green production. Photo: Vinamilk

In the process of pursuing the Net Zero goal, what challenges are there when implementing emission reduction projects?

- The most obvious challenge, in my opinion, is the "new" factor. The world's dairy industry is about 300 years old, the Vietnamese dairy industry is about 60 years old, while sustainable development is a new field for the entire world's dairy industry, not just ours. This is a challenge that requires long-term implementation and business persistence.

And the biggest challenge is people. It's not about money, finance, technology... success or failure depends on people. I often tell people in the company, the world is moving very fast now, Vinamilk people need to be self-reliant, always progressive, and ready to rethink what they know to do better. That is the important thing that determines future development.

Facing an investment decision for sustainable development, does Vinamilk encounter any obstacles?

- I have not encountered any internal obstacles. As for Vinamilk's raw material suppliers or partners, I see that they are also excited to join us in sustainable development strategies. I often tell my employees that our actions should never harm others. All investment activities of Vinamilk must demonstrate benefits, here the benefits are not only for themselves, but also for related parties such as shareholders, employees, local people...

Of course, there will be many unprecedented changes and it is not necessary to fumble. We can learn from the world, use technology, etc. The important thing is to start taking steps to have success. can reach the destination.

Vinamilk employees participate in the project to regenerate 25 hectares of mangrove forest at Dat Mui Ca Mau National Park. Photo: Vinamilk
Vinamilk employees participate in the project to regenerate 25 hectares of mangrove forest at Dat Mui Ca Mau National Park. Photo: Vinamilk

Through the journey of pursuing sustainable development, what message does Vinamilk want to convey to the community?

- "We change for you" - this is still the message of Vinamilk's 10,000 people up to now. We do it for consumers. Vinamilk's scale today is thanks to consumers.

Vinamilk is a company that produces milk, a product widely used for children and this is the future generation. In our program of exchanging cartons for green trees, there are girls and boys in grades 1 and 2 who finished drinking milk, washed the cans, put them in the collection bin for recycling and happily brought the green trees to plant... Pictures This photo helps us be encouraged and ask ourselves more about "what will we leave behind for future generations".

Thank you very much for the interview!

Vinamilk is a pioneering enterprise that commits and announces a roadmap to reach the Net Zero goal by 2050. To date, 2 factories and 1 farm of the enterprise have achieved carbon neutrality according to international standards PAS2060:2014. . With many efforts in Sustainable Development, Vinamilk has been continuously honored at many domestic and foreign awards such as: Asian Responsible Enterprise 2024 (AREA), Top 50 Typical Sustainable Enterprises (CSA) ,… with important categories on ESG Leadership /Green Leadership and Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction.

Vi Nam
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