Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Industrial  -  September 18, 2024

Bio-Techne Commits to Emissions Reduction

Bio-Techne Corporation, a life sciences company that provides tools and bioactive reagents for the research and clinical diagnostic communities, submitted its commitment to lower emissions to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI). 

The company submitted a letter of commitment to reduce its Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions, and the reduction targets will be evaluated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI) in 2026, according to a statement.

Bio-Techne also hired a Director of Sustainability to spearhead, coordinate and oversee its sustainability efforts across the business.  

The company announced its 2023 emissions intensity decreased slightly to 9.53 kgCO2e per square foot, compared to its 2022 measurement of 9.85 kgCO2e per square foot.

Bio-Techne continues to grow and expand its manufacturing capacity, which accounts in part for a slight increase in Scope 2 emissions in 2023. Its total Scope 1 emissions footprint decreased compared to calendar year 2022, in part due to refrigerant decreases in its largest site in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Overall, the company’s emissions intensity decreased despite physical growth of the company. 

Purchased electricity accounts for approximately 78% of Bio-Techne's total emissions. The next highest contributor is natural gas, which accounts for approximately 20% of total emissions. 

The company is  committed to evaluating increased use of cleaner, renewable and/or low-carbon electricity at all of its sites, particularly its manufacturing facilities. 

In 2023, the company decreased the overall CO2e footprint of its largest site in Minneapolis through efforts such as replacing less efficient freezers in laboratories with ENERGY STAR certified freezers with advanced compressor and cooling systems, which can consume 55% less energy compared to conventional freezers.

As detailed in its 2024 Corporate Sustainability Report, Bio-Techne's Dublin distribution center is now 100% electric with 30% sourced by renewable fuels, and by using electric vehicles in its Abingdon, UK, fleet, the site’s FY24 emission free mileage was 10,713 kwh. 

"I am proud of the progress the team continues to make positioning Bio-Techne for a sustainable future," said Kim Kelderman, President and CEO of Bio-Techne, in a statement. "Our global team remains committed to enriching the communities we live and work in, while delivering the innovation the scientific community relies on to catalyze advances in science and medicine. These are achieved while functioning at the highest level of governance and operational integrity. This focus enables the team to grow the organization in a responsible manner and deliver the products necessary to develop and advance the next generation of therapeutics, vaccines and diagnostics that improve global healthcare."