Novo Nordisk's production activities give rise to a number of air emissions with an impact on the local, regional and global environment. To the local environment odours, enzyme dust and organic solvents are emitted. These emissions are regulated by the authorities who have set fixed limit values. We have taken measures to minimize emissions using state-of-the-art filters.

Energy-related emissions
From both an environmental and a financial perspective it is important that we reduce energy consumption. However, it is difficult to set targets for reduction of energy-related emissions because these are determined by the nature of the energy supply rather than by our use.

In Denmark a number of environmental taxes including CO₂ taxes have been levied on industrial use of energy as from 1996. These measures are intended to provide an incentive to find ways to save energy since refunds can be given if energy-saving programmes are initiated.

In 1997 an appraisal of energy consumption at our Kalundborg and Copenhagen sites was carried out and an agreement on a three-year energy efficiency project was signed with the Danish Energy Agency.

Our increased energy efficiency as demonstrated by the eco-productivity increase of 16 percentage points, coupled with lower key factors for energy-related emissions, resulted in a reduction of the total emission of CO₂, SO₂ and NO_x by 6%, 23% and 14%, respectively. Consequently, Novo Nordisk's contribution to global warming and acid rain was reduced by 6% and 20% respectively from 1996 to 1997.

Organic solvents
Organic solvents are used primarily in the recovery of insulin and in chemical synthesis. Facilities using solvents are fitted with regeneration equipment and carbon filters are installed to reduce emissions. Storage tanks are equipped with automatic fire extinguishers, and precautions to prevent accidental release to the sewage system are in place.

Ozone-depleting substances
Chlorinated and other halogenated substances with the potential to deplete the stratosphere's ozone layer are used in our facilities for cooling, refrigeration, chemical synthesis (FeF Chemicals) and fire extinguishing equipment. CFC compounds are currently being phased out in accordance with current international resolutions.

In 1997, Novo Nordisk's total contribution to ozone depletion decreased by 30% compared to 1996. This is due to an increase of emissions of the relatively less harmful HCFCs and a 40% decrease in CFCs.

Emissions to air

Packaging