Established in 1978 in the United States, Biogen is one of the world’s first global biotechnology companies. A pioneer in neuroscience, the company has led innovative scientific research with the goal of identifying treatments that address devastating neurological diseases, which are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide.
A Commitment to Environmental Responsibility
Biogen believes that in order to lead in human health, the biotech and pharma industry must take a stand to mitigate its impact on the environment. Science shows that fossil fuel emissions have been found to play a direct role in the worsening of various health conditions. Data suggests that fossil fuel-related air pollution not only contributes to the climate crisis, but also claims 9 million lives annually, making it one of the world’s top killers. Evidence also points to air pollution worsening the prevalence and severity of COVID-19 and potentially harming brain health.
The Healthy Climate, Healthy Lives Initiative
To address these issues, Biogen launched a bold initiative in September 2020 called Healthy Climate, Healthy Lives™, a US$250 million, ground-breaking 20-year plan to eliminate fossil fuels across its operations by 2040, making Biogen the first Fortune 500 company to pursue such a commitment.
In 2014, Biogen became the first company in the life sciences industry to achieve carbon neutrality. However, recognizing the increasing impact of climate change, the company established more aggressive targets aligned with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines, approved by the Science Based Targets initiative. The Healthy Climate, Healthy Lives™ program builds on Biogen’s longstanding commitment to sustainability, including ambitious targets for climate, water, and waste reduction.
Eliminating Fossil Fuels
The initiative involves major undertakings, with the first component focused on reducing fossil fuel dependence. At Biogen, transitioning from its fossil fuel infrastructure to renewable energy means adapting all of its boilers, steam generators, and heating and cooling systems. The company is also converting its fleet of more than 1,500 vehicles to electric by 2027 and setting up workplace charging stations at more than 30 corporate locations. Green chemistry is being accelerated to reduce water and energy input, fossil fuel-derived solvents, and waste output. Non-impactful materials are being eliminated, and alternatives are being identified, with a preference for reusable materials made from renewable feedstocks or highly biodegradable materials. Biogen is also creating opportunities for employees to actively participate in meeting science-based sustainability targets both in the office and at home.
Biogen also encourages and supports its suppliers in adopting sustainable practices. The company aims for 80% of its suppliers to commit to climate-related science-based targets by 2025, with 50% sourcing 100% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2030, expanding to 90% by 2040.
Collaborating for a Healthier Future
The second component of Healthy Climate, Healthy Lives™ is Biogen’s collaboration with global leaders to advance climate and health research. This includes working with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to develop new models for assessing the impact of climate actions on human health and partnering with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to help under-resourced healthcare clinics address climate risks, improving their operational resilience and patient health outcomes.
Leading the Way to a Sustainable Future
Biogen’s ambitious approach goes beyond achieving carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions. The company is committed to creating an equitable future where everyone enjoys a healthy climate and a healthy life. Its groundbreaking Healthy Climate, Healthy Lives™ program sets a precedent for others in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry to follow.
Biogen is boldly going where no Fortune 500 company has gone before with its innovative yet important Healthy Climate, Healthy Lives™ campaign. It is an enormous undertaking, but we believe more companies will follow Biogen’s lead.
