Sustainability is an important part of our business approach at UCB, and we’re dedicated to improving technology and energy efficiency within our U.S. facilities to enable us to serve patients in the most eco-friendly way possible. This means reducing our carbon footprint, water consumption, and waste production across U.S site locations. We are contributing to the health of the planet through a more sustainable model for our U.S facilities and beyond, including transitioning toward a low carbon footprint and green economy. 

Greener workspace
To increase our overall capacity with minimal to no impact on our current energy efficiency, UCB is embracing new workplace initiatives to support its vision of a greener UCB. One of these initiatives is our new Atlanta Warehouse (inspace) that features a large sustainable kitchen focused on decreasing paper and plastic consumption by incorporating reusable/washable plates, silverware and glasses, and promoting a farm-to-table approach to in-office dining. Nearly 92% of waste from the first phase of demolition at the Warehouse was reused throughout the Atlanta inspace. The Warehouse also features two 8,000-gallon rainwater collection cisterns that will assist in reducing our water consumption.

“We’re pleased to partner with UCB to incorporate their sustainability pillars, especially around Health of the Planet and Employee Well-being, into the future plans for their Atlanta campus,” said Louise Labus of Collins Cooper Carusi Architects.

Reducing waste and emissions
Other sustainability initiatives we’ve implemented at our U.S. site locations include using recycling streams and compactors for recyclable waste, having a public transportation program in place to assist employees in reducing emissions from car travel to and from the office, and implementing reverse osmosis water usage. Our Atlanta campus utilizes 100% green electricity derived from alternate power sources (solar/wind), and we recently installed 10 electric vehicle (E.V.) chargers for a total of 14 with more to follow as demand increases. We also planted trees along the Atlanta property perimeter fence line to complement reforestation goals. At our new Research Triangle Park (RTP) office, we’re installing two E.V. stations and we’re currently using composting for recycling organic matter. 

Green goals
In 2015, we laid out our 2030 Green Goals to minimize our environmental footprint across business activities and operations. By 2030, our ambition is to reduce CO2 emissions and become carbon neutral, reduce our water withdrawal by 20%, and our waste generation by 25%. In 2021, we are proud to have reduced our CO2 emissions by 7% compared to 2020 as a result of the ongoing pandemic and implementing our hybrid working mode which also reduced travel and commuting. Learn more about how we’re tracking on our mission to reduce our local and global environmental impact by 2030 here and watch our Health of the Planet video here. 

This Earth Day and every day, UCB is committed to reducing our environmental footprint and prioritizing a sustainable business approach for our people, the patients we serve, and our planet.