Our targets and performance
We have set an ambitious target for our CO2 emissions from global production: To achieve an absolute reduction of 10% by 2014 compared with 2004 emission levels. In light of the projected significant growth in production capacity, the absolute target represents a relative reduction of approximately 65%. It requires that growth in production is decoupled from growth in energy consumption and calls for both incremental advances and radically innovative solutions. The reduction is achieved through the three levers:
• Novo Nordisk’s LEAN programme, cLEAN®
• Energy savings in production
• Promotion of renewable energy
Download backgrounder on our climate strategy
Breaking the curve
In 2008 CO2 emissions decreased for the first time since the launch of the climate strategy. The company’s total energy consumption decreased by 9% in 2008, which translates into an decrease in the energy-related emissions of CO2 from 236,000 tons in 2007 to 215,000 tons in 2008, corresponding to a 9% decrease.
 | The annual CO2 emission is now close to the 2004 (210,000 tons) baseline year, only 2% above, and Novo Nordisk is confident that the ambitious 10% absolute reduction target will be met in 2014. This will happen through a continued effort in the cLEAN® programme and secondly the highly prioritised energy-saving programme. This energy saving programme has until now resulted in an estimated 20,000 tons reduction in CO2 emission. Thirdly, green electricity from the offshore wind farm at Horns Rev II in Denmark will give substantial reductions from 2009. |
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| Since 2003, CO2 emissions from Novo Nordisk's production have decreased to an index 60 compared to growth in sales. |
Next steps
In terms of the Greenhouse Gas (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.
Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)
Novo Nordisk has responded to the Carbon Disclosure Project since the first rating was made in 2003. In the 2009 Global 500 report Novo Nordisk's disclosure score was up by 17 points from 56 in 2008 to 73. Read our 2009 response here (pdf).
Energy stewards drive performance
Credit for much of the company’s progress in carbon management is due to the hard work and diligence of energy stewards placed throughout the organisation. The stewards and other utility staff serve as a small army of eyes and ears within production facilities, looking for ways the company can improve.
Click here for more information on Novo Nordisk’s climate and environmental performance in 2008.
