HIPPO Valley Estates has made remarkable progress in reducing its petrol and diesel consumption and subsequently tamed its carbon footprint during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024 (FY 2024).
Energy is crucial to the operations of Hippo Valley Estates, impacting both productivity and its environmental footprint.
To address these issues, the electrical department meticulously monitors energy usage and implements energy-efficient measures, including the installation of eco-friendly appliances. A key component of the company’s energy consumption stems from the transportation and delivery of its products.
Notably, the energy used for the distribution of Hippo Valley’s products, particularly diesel and petrol, has seen a significant reduction in FY 2024. The company consumed 2,27 million litres of diesel, marking a 30 percent drop from 3,25 million litres in FY 2023. Similarly, petrol consumption dropped to 20,401 litres, down 35,96 percent from 31,857 litres the previous year.
Hippo Valley attributed this to a reduction in sugar sales volume, which fell to 194,949 tonnes in FY 2024, as noted in its annual report. The drop in fuel use reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to optimising operational efficiency and minimising its carbon footprint, even in the face of fluctuating production demands.
The downturn in fuel consumption not only indicates a response to lower sugar volumes but also highlights Hippo Valley’s efforts to enhance its distribution and logistics processes. Given the company’s vulnerability to climate change — including shifting weather patterns, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events — addressing these challenges is imperative.
“To counter these risks, Hippo Valley Estates has implemented a comprehensive strategy that includes closely monitoring fuel usage across operations, maintaining natural greenhouse gas sinks like forests and wetlands on its land, and investing in energy-efficient equipment and machinery. The company is also transitioning to cleaner, renewable energy sources where possible,” the report states.
While Hippo Valley is dedicated to minimising its environmental impact and fostering sustainable practices, experts emphasise that these energy consumption figures reflect the company’s commitment to enhancing energy efficiency as it navigates market fluctuations.
The focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors is increasingly recognised as a core value by companies, financial institutions, and shareholders around the globe.
In FY 2024, the company’s revenue surged by 75 percent to ZWL7,50 billion, a striking increase from ZWL4,28 billion the previous year. This growth can be attributed to the company’s strong market positioning and improved production efficiency, reinforcing its role as a leader in the industry.