GlaxoSmithKline (GSK.L), the world’s third-largest drugmaker, announced a goal to be carbon neutral by 2050.
The maker of well-known brand drugs like BC Powder, Levitra, Nicorette, Zantac and Sensodyne said the commitment applies to its own operations and those of its supply chain.
The goal will be addressed in stages, with near-term goals of reducing carbon emissions 10% by 2015 and 25% by 2020.
The company also intends to cut its water consumption 20% by 2015 and achieve zero landfill waste by 2020.
The strategies, outlined in GSK’s 2010 corporate responsibility report, are expected to save the company 100 million pounds a year by 2020 through reduced energy, materials and distribution costs.
In 2010, GSK became the first company to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard global certification in 2010. Specifically, the Carbon Trust assessed and certified GSK’s carbon footprint over a three year period across 65 countries, 200 sites and eight business divisions.
GSK acknowledged that much still needs to be done by all stakeholders including business, Governments and NGOs, to tackle the issue of access to medicines in developing countries. The company said it is taking steps to reform its business practices, including adopting a range of flexible pricing models, to expand availability of its medicines and vaccines.
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