Attention, pharma companies everywhere, but especially those based in New Jersey and California. These two states offer incentives for investing in energy-saving technologies such as solar energy, fuel cells or cogeneration.
Both Merck and Roche have availed themselves of these grants and both are making substantial reductions to both greenhouse gas and air and water emissions. We'll be discussing what they've done so far in an upcoming feature by Bill Swichtenberg that's due to hit our web site next week.
But how about companies other than Merck and Roche? Are you doing anything on this front? We'd love to hear from you.
Even if you're based in a state that doesn't offer incentives, spending on sustainable development reduces costs and offers fast ROI, with the added benefit of helping to endear you [OK, perhaps an exaggeration] to your neighbors and the public at large. It also helps innovative companies supplying fuel cells find a commercial market for new energy technologies. Isn't this a "no brainer?"
Below, the news release on Merck's Energy Star partnership with EPA.
March 8, 2007 “ The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named Merck & Co., Inc. an ENERGY STAR 2007 Partner of the Year for its outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through effective energy management. Merck, an ENERGY STAR partner since 2004, is the first pharmaceutical company to be named Partner of the Year two years in a row. Merck's accomplishments will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on March 21.
Merck was awarded this honor for its impressive results achieved through its strong commitment to corporate energy management. Led by Mercks Global Energy Team, the Company strives to manage energy in a cost-effective, efficient, reliable, innovative, and environmentally responsible manner.
Our partnership with ENERGY STAR is a natural extension of Merck's Plan to Win, said Chief Executive Officer and President Richard T. Clark. As a high performance organization, we need to take advantage of every opportunity to operate more efficiently, and that includes carefully managing every aspect of our energy use." Merck is not only working to reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions at its facilities, but is also focusing on its sales fleet vehicles by switching to more fuel efficient flexible fuel vehicles and by piloting hybrid vehicles.
Last year alone, with the help of ENERGY STAR, Americans saved $14 billion on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 25 million vehicles.
The 2007 Partner of the Year Awards recognize efforts to use energy efficiently in facility operations and to integrate superior energy management into overall organizational strategy. Award winners are selected from thousands of organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.
The success of Merck & Co., Inc. in proactively managing their energy use is a model for businesses across the country, said Bill Wehrum, acting assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. Because buildings contribute about 20% of our national greenhouse gas emissions, effective energy management helps the bottom line and protects our environment.-AMS
