Bagsværd is a suburb of Copenhagen where Novo Nordisk has its administrative headquarters as well as major research facilities, pilot plants and production. Insulin is purified, filled and packed. Crude enzymes produced at the Kalundborg and Copenhagen sites are standardized, granulated and packed. About 4500 people work at the site which covers an area of 320,000 m² and is adjacent to a residential area.

"Here at the insulin purification plant it's very difficult to substitute environmentally hazardous substances with some that are environmentally sound due to regulatory approvals. It's therefore very important that our researchers look at the environmental aspects of using a particular chemical - because once a product has been approved, it is very difficult to change the production process."
Poul Skou Pedersen, Manager, Insulin Purification Plant at Bagsværd, and a member of Novo Nordisk's International Environmental Network.

Major impacts
Major impacts are waste water containing organic material and nutrients, and energy-related emissions. Minor impacts are odours from fermen- tation and noise from traffic and the handling of goods. The emission of organic solvents has doubled compared to 1995 and 1996 due to an increase in research and production activities.

Accidental releases
In 1997, there was one accidental release of GMOs and two accidental releases of chemicals. 200 ml of liquid containing not approved GMOs was discharged from the pilot plant to the sewage system. The drain was subsequently flushed with a disinfectant.

Due to a faulty pipe, 90 litres of hydrochloric acid (30% concentration) were released into the rainwater drainage system leading to a nearby marshy area. The polluted areas and the drainage system were neutralized with a solution of sodium hydroxide. No lasting impact on the environment occurred.

A small amount of liquid containing 5 g of a cobalt compound was released to the sewage system due to defective equipment. The release has had no impact on the environment.

Complaints
During 1997 we received 10 complaints from neighbours of which six related to noise from the enzyme granulation facility where large containers are handled.

During the last three years we have been working to find ways of eliminating or alleviating the noise problem. Noise emissions have been monitored, noise reduction measures such as insula- tion of vents have been carried out and new procedures for handling containers outdoors have been implemented. The noise emission is below the limit values stated in the environmental approval for the site. Despite these measures our activities still give rise to complaints. We will further tighten up procedures for transportation on the site area.

Environmental focus
A major focus over the last few years has been to reduce energy consumption. Danish energy taxes amounted to DKK 9 million in 1997 providing an increased economic incentive to reduce energy consumption wherever possible.

Bagsværd data

Chartres, France