Danes christen a better future
23 Jan 2006
Copenhagen, Denmark - Pharmaceutical giant, Novo Nordisk, has pledged significant reductions in its global emissions, signing a Climate Savers Agreement with WWF-Denmark. So far 10 corporations have become Climate Savers, with the Danish-based world leader in diabetes care becoming the second Climate Savers company in Europe.
Novo Nordisk is committed to reducing its global CO2 emissions by 10 per cent in 2014 compared to 2004. Without the agreement with WWF, Novo Nordisk's CO2 emissions would increase some 67% in the same period. The reductions will be achieved through energy efficiency measures and renewable energy projects at Novo Nordisk sites in six countries: Brazil, China, Denmark, France, Japan and the US.
"While national governments must move faster to lay the ground for action, some companies have the vision to act right away to help prevent serious climate change. We are very pleased that Novo Nordisk takes responsibility on climate change. We would like to urge other businesses to do the same," says Kim Carstensen, CEO of WWF-Denmark
From Novo Nordisk's headquarters in Copenhagen, executive vice president, Mrs. Lise Kingo, says: "We have entered into this agreement with WWF because we want to adress the serious challenges facing the world caused by climate change. We also believe that reducing emissions will make our business more sustainable in the long-term. We are ready for the challenges that lie ahead, using less energy and switching to renewable energy sources like wind and biomass. We believe that a long term effort to reduce CO2 will strengthen our business in a world where the use of fossil fuels is limited."
For more information
Mette Nedergaard, WWF-Denmark
Phone: +45 35 36 35
Email: m.nedergaard@wwf.dk
Oliver Rapf, WWF European Policy Office
Phone: +32 2 743 88 08
Email: orapf@wwfepo.ofg
Martin Hiller, , WWF International
Phone: +41 79 347 2256
Email: mhiller@wwfint.org
Notes
- WWF has set up the Climate Savers program to promote ambitious greenhouse gas reductions in business and industries. Besides Novo Nordisk, WWF has Climate Savers agreements with Lafarge (France), Sagawa (Japan), Catalyst (Canada), Johnson & Johnson, IBM, Nike, Polaroid, The Collins Companies, and Xanterra (all USA).
- Novo Nordisk has committed itself to reduce its CO2 emissions from the use of fossil fuels and from purchase of electricity, heat and steam by 10% compared to its CO2 emissions in 2004. Without this agreement, Novo Nordisk's CO2 emission would increase by 67% in the same period. The agreement includes Novo Nordisk's global CO2 emissions.
- At least 50% of the total amount of CO2 reductions will be realised in Annex I countries listed in the United Nation's Framework Convention on Climate Change (i.e. OECD countries).
- The CO2 reductions will primarily be achieved by energy efficiency measures in Novo Nordisk's manufacturing processes and by renewable energy projects.
- Novo Nordisk's performance on the agreement will be audited annually by an independent verifier.
