Established in 1978 in the United States, Biogen is one of the world’s first global biotechnology companies. A pioneer in neuroscience, the company has led innovative scientific research with the goal of identify treatments that address devastating neurological diseases, which are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide.

Biogen believes that in order to lead in human health, the biotech and pharma industry must take a stand to mitigate its impact on the environment. Science shows that fossil fuel emissions have been found to play a direct role in the worsening of various health conditions. Data suggests that fossil fuel-related air pollution not only contributes to the climate crisis, it also claims 9 million lives annually, making it one of the world’s top killers. Evidence also points to air pollution worsening the prevalence and severity of COVID-19 and potentially harming brain health.

To address these issues, Biogen launched a bold initiative in September 2020 called Healthy Climate, Healthy LivesTM, a US$250 million, ground-breaking 20-year plan to eliminate fossil fuels across its operations by 2040, making Biogen the first Fortune 500 company to pursue such a commitment. 

In 2014, Biogen became the first company in the life sciences industry to become carbon neutral. But more needed to be done, given mounting evidence that the burdens of climate change are not shared equally. Biogen determined it was imperative to establish aggressive new targets in line with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines and approved by the Science Based Targets initiative. And so Healthy Climate, Healthy LivesTM was crafted to build on Biogen’s longstanding commitment to sustainability, including targets for climate, water and waste.

This far-reaching effort involves some major undertakings divided into two components. The first component focuses on fossil fuel reduction. At Biogen, transitioning from its fossil fuel infrastructure to renewable energy means:

1. adapting all of its boilers, steam generators and heating and cooling systems
2. changing its fleet of more than 1,500 vehicles to electric by 2027 and setting up workplace charging stations at more than 30 corporate locations
3. accelerating the use of green chemistry to reduce water and energy input, fossil fuel-derived solvents and waste output
4. eliminating non-impactful materials and identifying alternatives with a preference for reusable materials made from renewable feedstocks or highly biodegradable materials
5. creating opportunities for Biogen employees to become even more actively involved in meeting new science-based targets in the office and at home