Climate change
Novo Nordisk is committed to conducting its business in a financially, environmentally and socially responsible way. As climate change has global implications on all three dimensions, taking steps to reduce the company’s impact is both an act of critical risk mitigation and corporate responsibility.
Recognising that climate change – as the diabetes pandemic – is related to the consumption and lifestyle trends of high and middle income economies, climate change is also an unprecedented opportunity to bring the world on a healthier, more sustainable course.
Novo Nordisk's position
- In the scientific debate, Novo Nordisk refers to the findings of the UN Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change
- Business must help mitigate climate change by:
- Mapping its direct and indirect footprint and report on performance
- Pursuing a green growth strategy: Set ambitious absolute reduction target for emissions, increase energy-efficiency in countries of operation and promote renewable energy sources
- Innovating, developing and sharing new business models, technologies and processes
- Advocating for an ambitious, global and fair agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol
- Encouraging employees to lead sustainable lives.
Climate action in Novo Nordisk
Recognising the complexity and cross cutting nature of climate change, Novo Nordisk has taken a partnership approach to address this global challenge:
- Novo Nordisk initiated negotiations with WWF in 2003 and in 2006 became a member of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Climate Savers programme. Novo Nordisk’s climate strategy links to this agreement, according to which the company has set an ambitious target for its CO2 emissions from production: To achieve an absolute reduction of 10% by 2014 compared with 2004 emission levels while still growing the business. In terms of the GHG protocol, Novo Nordisk’s first priority is to get its own house in order, focusing on the areas in which the company has direct control over performance. Thus, the current scope of the company’s climate strategy is to reduce emissions from production which accounts for the most significant part of Novo Nordisk’s global carbon footprint. Strategies and action plans for reducing emissions from the remaining part of Novo Nordisk’s activities will be framed during 2009-2010.
- In May 2007, Novo Nordisk signed a partnership agreement with the Danish energy company DONG Energy. Under the partnership, Novo Nordisk pledges to convert all energy savings realised at its Danish production sites into the purchase of green electricity from a new wind farm in the North Sea. By 2014 Novo Nordisk’s production facilities in Denmark, including the energy-intensive insulin production, will be powered entirely by green electricity.
- Novo Nordisk is a founding member of the Copenhagen Climate Council (CCC). The CCC is a global think tank of business leaders and scientists who seek to build momentum for reaching an ambitious and binding treaty at the UN Climate Summit in Copenhagen 2009. Novo Nordisk is also a signatory to:
