In 5 years, from 2015 to 2020, the American pharmaceutical group Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has reduced global greenhouse gas emissions by 20.7% and water consumption by 10.8%. And for the future, the company’s goal is to hit new ‘green’ goals: use of 100% renewable energy and electrification of 100% of company cars by 2030, zero waste in landfills and carbon neutrality in emissions by 2040. commitment that also involves our country where in 2021 the ‘Foresta Bms Italy‘, with 550 trees already planted and another 500 to be planted every year until 2025, for a total of 2,500 plants; a project that will also affect other parts of the world. The initiatives were illustrated today during a virtual press conference.
“As the world’s leading biopharmaceutical company, we are aware of the responsibility we have to care for the health of patients, the community and the planet – he says. Emma Charles, General Manager Bms Italia – We ensure high quality standards to reduce the environmental impact in every area in which we operate, from research to production to the distribution of drugs. The company’s mission, values and goals are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We measure the results obtained, renewing our commitment every 5 years, to reach increasingly ambitious goals. Reducing the environmental impact, caring for local communities and using resources effectively imply ethical and correct business management “.
At the international level – details a note – the company has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions with concrete projects such as the installation of photovoltaic systems in 5 sites in the United States, Switzerland and China, the replacement of packaging for some drugs and using new high-density containers for the international transport of products. Progress has also been made in reduction of water consumption, implementing new water saving practices through new machinery and water recycling programs. “On a global level, we have been committed to sustainability issues since the 1990s – he says Elinora Pisanti, Director of Human Resources Bms Italia – Bms Italia has been ISO 14001 certified for the environment since 2013, which shows that we operate while maintaining high standards and a great deal of attention to environmental performance. Every year we monitor the consumption of electricity, methane gas, water and fuel and the amount of material used in terms of paper, toner and waste. There are several concrete initiatives that we have already implemented “, such as” the Bms Italia Forest in collaboration with Treedom, with the aim of offsetting part of the CO2 emitted “.
“Tree planting activities contribute to the achievement of 10 sustainable development goals set by the United Nations – he underlines Anna Ciattini, Treedom Partner & Head of Corporate Marketing – All trees are planted directly by local communities, with over 100,000 beneficiaries actively participating in the projects. The planting of trees has a positive impact on the environment and on the people who inhabit that territory; in fact, it contributes to producing environmental, social and economic benefits such as the absorption of CO2, the reforestation of some territories, the restoration of local biodiversity, food security and income opportunities. We operate in developing countries where the benefits of trees can really make a difference. Once planted, each tree is photographed and geolocated to ensure the transparency and traceability of the project, and remains the property of the farmer who takes care of it “.
Thanks to’agreement with TreedomBms will plant 2,500 trees not only in Italy (in Puglia), but also in Africa, Latin America and Asia, continues the note, in which it is recalled that “the contribution of trees in the fight against climate change is decisive: for example, in 10 years a baobab planted in Kenya absorbs 3 thousand kilograms of carbon dioxide, equal to those produced by a Rome-Nairobi flight. It is estimated that the Bms Italia Forest will absorb almost 200 tons of CO2“.
“Strengthening a sustainable and participatory corporate culture is also the goal of the project launched by zeroCO2 and Bms last April on the occasion of World Earth Day – highlights Andrea Pesce, co-founder and CEO of zeroCO2 – A step-by-step process of getting closer to nature that kicked off with a webinar ‘Environmental sustainability in tablets’, aimed at all BMS colleagues, to reflect on the best way to live in harmony with nature, resources and climate. The ‘nature game’ organized in May, in an Etruscan village with a low environmental impact near Fiumicino, allowed “then” to deepen, in addition to the theme of biodiversity, also the criteria of sustainability. The path will end in October with the organization of new environmental-themed events. Each event also contributed to generating a positive environmental and social impact: a tree was planted for each participant and donated to peasant communities in Guatemala and to an agricultural and social cooperative “.
“Another concrete objective of Bms is the replacement of current company cars with 100% electrified cars (plug in and electric) by 2030 – remarks Pisanti – This choice represents a cultural turning point for all of us. For several years we have expanded the offer of company cars, with increasingly green models. We also promote many awareness-raising initiatives to encourage the choice of non-polluting cars and organize ‘eco-driving’ courses for more fuel-efficient driving, trying to contain CO2 emissions “.
“We are proud of the projects we have activated in the field of environmental and social sustainability – concludes Charles – The ‘Plastic free’ initiative is also planned to encourage the use of filtered running water by eliminating the use of plastic containers. Bristol Myers Squibb’s commitments are thus transformed from ambitious challenges into concrete goals thanks to the involvement of everyone, because we are convinced that the responsibility and the behaviors we adopt every day can really make a difference for our company and the planet “.
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