We significantly advanced in reducing our environmental footprint, decreasing total energy consumption by 4% and water usage by 34%. Our waste management efforts led to recycling 71% of the total 242 tons of waste generated and repurposing 464 tons of recyclable materials from our production cycle.
We recognize the pressing need to combat climate change and embraced the JTI Tobacco Business Target, vowing to become carbon neutral by 2030 and to achieve Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas emissions across our entire value chain by 2050.
In 2022, we took a hard look at our operations and found our energy consumption at a staggering 11,383.65 MEJ per million cigarettes (MMCig) produced. This figure was a wake-up call, driving us to implement a series of energy-saving initiatives. By the end of 2023, our efforts bore fruit as we successfully reduced our energy consumption to 10,954.10 MEJ/MMCig.
Our commitment didn't stop there. We meticulously recorded our total energy consumption, which in 2023 amounted to 110,782 GJ from non-renewable resources. We also celebrated the generation of 710 GJ from renewable sources, marking a significant step towards a greener future.
To ensure transparency and accuracy in our sustainability efforts, we utilized a global reporting tool known as CR 360. This tool became our compass, guiding us in tracking and managing our energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Currently, our focus is on reducing our own GHG emissions, categorized as Scope 1 & 2. In 2023, we achieved a GHG emission rate of 0.561 tonnes per million cigarettes produced (TO/MMCig). This achievement was a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
As we move forward, we remain dedicated to our goals, knowing that each step brings us closer to a carbon-neutral and sustainable future. Our story is one of perseverance, innovation, and a deep-seated responsibility to protect our planet for generations to come.
In a world where environmental responsibility is paramount, TCC Plc, guided by the JTI Tobacco Business Target, we embarked on a mission to create a sustainable future. Recognizing the urgent need to conserve water, we took deliberate actions to reduce our water usage across all operations. By 2023, our efforts bore fruit, achieving an impressive 34% reduction in water consumption, surpassing our initial goals.
Our dedication to sustainability didn’t stop with water conservation. Waste management became another pillar of our environmental strategy. In 2023, we generated 242 tonnes of waste. However, through diligent efforts, we recycled 171 tonnes, or 71%, of that waste. This was a significant leap from our baseline year of 2015, when we generated 486.8 tonnes of waste and managed to recycle only 113.2 tonnes, which was a mere 23%.
The progress didn't happen overnight. In 2022, we achieved a 42% recycling rate, and our relentless pursuit of improvement paid off. Our recycling rate increased steadily, showcasing our commitment to minimizing our environmental footprint. This drive extended beyond our operations and into the community.
In alignment with our objectives, we turned our attention to innovative community investment activities. We upcycled 306 empty glue bins from our manufacturing process, transforming them into trash bins for clean-up campaigns in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. This initiative not only addressed waste management but also empowered local communities to participate in environmental conservation.
To ensure proper disposal of non-recyclable waste, we partnered with a reliable third-party service. In 2023, they handled 242 tonnes of our waste, of which 70.8 tonnes were landfilled. This responsible waste management underscored our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our operations.
Through these combined efforts, we at TCC Plc demonstrated that sustainability and business success could go hand in hand. Our journey was a testament to the power of deliberate action, continuous improvement, and community engagement in creating a better future.