Environmental protection
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Our approach to Environmental protection
Science can deliver sustainable net-zero healthcare
We are using a science-led, patient- centric approach to discover innovative solutions which will help to lower the economic and environmental burden of healthcare. This will help build more sustainable, resilient health systems. It is clear from the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report that the latest science is telling us we are at a critical point, and we must all increase our efforts to limit the impacts of the climate crisis on our planet.
We recognise that working in partnership is critical to achieving our goals, which is why we were a founding member of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, founded by His Majesty King Charles III in his former role as HRH The Prince of Wales. Our CEO Pascal Soriot champions the SMI Health Systems Task Force, which aims to accelerate the transition to net-zero health systems.
Our contribution to society must respect our environment and ensure the sustainable use of the planet’s finite natural resources. We know that a healthy environment is critical for human health.
Our focus areas
Ambition Zero Carbon
We are taking bold action on climate because we recognise the connection between healthy people and a healthy planet. Climate change is increasing levels of ill-health, including a rise in chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and respiratory diseases. We are working to deliver net-zero healthcare, acknowledging that approximately 5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are emitted from the healthcare sector.
Product sustainability
People and the planet benefit from medicines with the smallest possible environmental impact, while maintaining medical efficacy and safety. As technologies and healthcare systems evolve, so too should solutions to reduce energy, water, material use, waste and pollution generated from designing, manufacturing, and delivering medicines to patients.
Natural resources
We need to shape a resilient, sustainable and healthy future for people and the planet. We should work on the basis of harmony between society and the natural environment. We will only achieve sustainable wellbeing by acting to protect, sustainably manage and restore ecosystems that support a healthy and resilient society. We invest in nature and biodiversity to benefit both planetary and societal health.
Progress on key targets since 2015*:
59.3% reduction
18.7% reduction
18.6% reduction
100%
*As at end December 2022, source: Sustainability Report
Our achievements
480+ suppliers
>10.5 million trees planted
97.5%
750+ material suppliers
Our highlights
AZ Forest
Restoring forests and biodiversity
AZ Forest is our global initiative to plant and maintain 200 million trees worldwide by the end of 2030, in partnership with local governments and expert delivery partners focused on global reforestation.
Planting trees sequesters carbon, combats air pollution, restores habitats for biodiversity and brings wider co-benefits such as improving food security, building climate resilience, and rehabilitating polluted watersheds to improve local water quality. Reforestation also helps support disease prevention and has social and economic benefits for rural communities, and promotes physical and mental wellbeing
Water Stewardship
Water is a limited natural resource and fundamental for life. Clean and plentiful water is also vital for the development and manufacture of medicines. We are committed to preserving and protecting the water supply, particularly in water-stressed areas, and we work to minimise the impact of our operations where we are located, as outlined in our Water Stewardship position statement.
EcoPharmaco Vigilance
As a result of patient use and manufacture, pharmaceuticals are found in the aquatic environment, typically in nanograms per litre concentrations. We conduct a robust environmental risk assessment for our products and report a programme of safe discharge from manufacturing facilities. As part of our ongoing EcoPharmacoVigilance, we have launched a dashboard with partner Simomics Ltd. to publish the measured environmental concentrations of APIs used in the manufacture of medicines, in line with our commitment to transparency and scientific rigour.
