Business View Magazine - November 2016

Business View Magazine - November 2016 21 The Bacardí family’s long-term involvement with bat research, education and conservation is also re- flected in the work of the non-profit Lubee Bat Con- servancy to protect biological diversity through the conservation of bats and their habitats. Just in time for Halloween, the number of bats at the facility, which include the Mexican free-tailed, Evening bat, Tricolored, and Eastern red bats, is ex- pected to grow as the fall season advances, colder weather creeps in, and breeding groups start to form. All of the species, except the Eastern red bats, will roost in the bat houses. Although bats are noc- turnal, they can be heard vocalizing during the day. Bats are extremely social and will spend consider- able time grooming and communicating with others in their colony. At night, these aerial acrobats use echolocation to navigate and find insect prey, many species of which are agricultural pests. Although most bat species use echolocation, they can see very well. All Florida bat species are insectivorous and provide essential ecological and economic ser- vices. “Bats are vital to the health of natural ecosystems and human economies, so preservation of their habitats makes great sense with regard to sustain- ability,” adds Torruella. “We work just as hard to find ways to preserve habitats and protect species as we do to reduce energy consumption and conduct business sustainably.” Rural and residential areas surround the 92-acre Ba- cardi facility, which includes on-site habitats such as wetlands, forest, and grasslands that have been re- planted with native species of plants and flowers. Bacardi began tracking its global impact on the envi- ronment in 2006. Building on current programs and efficiencies that reduce its environmental impacts, Bacardi executes its “Good Spirited” sustainability program under specific goals in three areas to help the company reach its vision of a net zero impact in responsible sourcing, global packaging, and opera- tional efficiencies.