Reducing emissions | UCB

We are committed to net-zero

We have set near- and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi): we are committed to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 90% by 2045 on a 2019 baseline, and neutralize remaining CO2e emissions.

To do so, we simultaneously work on different axes to:

  1. reduce the impact of our existing footprint
  2. limit the emissions coming from new projects through a green-by-design approach
  3. advocate for change management
  4. contribute to global neutrality beyond our value chain.

1. We reduce the existing impacts from all parts of our footprint (Scope 1, 2 and 3)

Energy efficiency. We make our operations more energy efficient. For example, an important part of our energy consumption at our sites is attributable to the HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning), which is subject to a comprehensive optimization program that also considers the pharmaceutical requirements.

Renewable energy. We increase the use of energy generated from renewable sources, whether it is produced at UCB sites or purchased. For example, we continue substituting natural gas with biogas produced from wastes and expanding power purchase agreement.

Sustainable mobility. We aim to transition our entire company fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030. We acknowledge the challenges to achieving this goal, including varying electrification maturity in the countries where we operate, limited charging infrastructure, and EV manufacturing constraints. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to reducing our environmental impact and continue to evaluate solutions to offer sustainable mobility options where they positively impact the health of the planet.

Lower-carbon transport. Whenever possible, we shift transport for both our raw materials and finished goods from air freight to sea freight.

2. We build green-by-design in our facilities and assets

Sustainable building materials. BREEAM 'Excellent' certification in Europe and LEED 'gold' in other markets are our standards for the construction, major refurbishment or purchase of buildings to be occupied by our staff.

Product sustainability. We have deployed the Green Product Scorecard, a holistic eco-designing approach that scores our medicines’ environmental performance based on a lifecycle analysis (LCA) and builds a clear roadmap to reduce the environmental footprint of each medicine.

3. We advocate for change by working both on internal and external fronts

Internal behavior change. We mobilize behavior change among our leaders and employees, from recruitment and onboarding of new hires to internal awareness campaigns about environmental footprint and carbon emissions - particularly emphasizing the impact of commuting and business travel.

Employee engagement. We build awareness among employees and encourage their commitment to informed and impactful actions through a strong network of ambassadors, champions and regional representatives. This network drives our environmental roadmap while embedding change management practices within the company.

Sustainability initiatives. We ensure sustainability initiatives are effectively adopted by promoting activities and learning sessions throughout the year, highlighted by events such as our annual Sustainability Week and regional awareness weeks. We also reduce our digital footprint with our yearly ‘green clean-up week’, which shares IT sustainability tips & tricks.

Supplier engagement. We integrate two distinct but complementary mechanisms into our supplier management activities: climate change mitigation and resilience.

4. We contribute to global neutrality beyond our value chain:

External partnerships. To help achieve global neutrality beyond our value chain and generate other co-benefits (such as biodiversity, natural resource preservation, and support for local communities), we partner with CO2logic and  WeForest on dedicated programs.

We also continuously monitor SBTi guidelines and align with them as soon as they are available, ensuring our contribution to ‘neutralization’ follows the latest scientific recommendations.