Our key energy usage relates to fuels, natural gas, electricity and heat that the Group consumes for the buildings and vehicles it operates. Electricity continues to be the most significant energy source. Our energy use increased by 14 % in the year to March 2011, including the impact of business acquisitions. As previously mentioned in this report, Group sales increased by 33 % in the same period.

In the context of the Group’s wider energy policy, the Maisons and distribution platforms are encouraged to switch to so-called ‘green electricity’ whenever possible, i.e. electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydro or geothermal. In 2011, 26 % of the Group’s purchased electricity was ‘green electricity’ (2010: 24 %). In absolute terms, the Group’s green electricity consumption increased by 21 %, primarily reflecting changes in North America.

* The 2010/11 figures were updated between 24 June 2011 and 30 June 2011.

All Maisons have taken measures to limit their energy consumption. The reported consumption levels reflect both the level of trading and the initiatives taken by each Maison and the Group’s distribution platforms during the relevant year.

Transportation and logistics

The majority of the Group’s products are transported from the place of manufacture – mainly Switzerland, France and Germany – to the retail network outside these countries by air. This reflects the very low weight, high value nature of fine watches, jewellery and premium accessories such as writing instruments. Product catalogues and similar high weight, low value materials are either purchased locally or are transported by land and sea, whenever possible.