We’re progressing our transition to net zero by decarbonising medicines manufacturing in China. Through an industry-first clean heat agreement, we will reduce our Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 80% in China, supporting the broader decarbonisation of the healthcare system.
Biomethane and biomethane-based steam will be supplied to our Wuxi manufacturing site in China through a new collaboration with China Resources Gas and Everbright Environment. This innovation will contribute to our global Ambition Zero Carbon target to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 98% by 2026, on the path to net zero by 2045 at the latest.
Supporting a more circular economy and reducing the carbon footprint of our Wuxi site
Using household waste including food and plant waste as feedstock, 36,000 MWh of biomethane and biomethane-based steam will be supplied from a municipal waste plant, reducing 9,700 tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) per year. By converting waste into useful energy, waste-to-energy processes can play a role in the transition to more circular economy.
Innovation and collaboration underpins the new clean heat solution for our Wuxi site. I’m incredibly proud of our industry-first partnership with China Resources Gas and Everbright Environment, which will enable us to reduce emissions from the manufacturing of our medicines in China by 80%. Collaboration is key to tackling the climate crisis, the largest health crisis of our time.
Expanding access to renewable power in China through the SMI Health Systems Task Force
Together with our industry peers, we’re also investing in sustainable development across the healthcare sector. As co-chair of the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) China Council, we’re committed to accelerating the transition to net zero health systems, collaborating with global and China-based partners.
In January 2024, together with four global healthcare leaders from the SMI Health Systems Task Force, we announced an industry-first agreement to access renewable power in China. This agreement will unlock around 200 gigawatthours (GWh) of renewable electricity annually from 2024 onwards, including in Jiangsu where our Wuxi site is located.
Investing in water stewardship and biodiversity in China
In addition to decarbonising, we’re also investing in nature in China. We’re adopting water stewardship practices to protect freshwater resources and supporting landscape restoration. We have also upgraded our Wuxi site wastewater treatment plant, enabling 25,000m3 of water to be saved every year since 2022. This is approximately 10% of the current site water footprint.
We’re also committing to invest $50 million to plant millions of trees in China, helping to support biodiversity and create local jobs to improve livelihoods as part of our global AZ Forest programme
Though science-based solutions and innovative partnerships, we’re delivering medicines to patients in a sustainable way and contributing to the health of people, the planet and society.
