Energy Efficiency, Industrial  -  August 2, 2016

Johnson & Johnson details sustainability progress

Johnson & Johnson detailed its sustainability targets in a recently released Citizenship & Sustainability 2020 Goals presentation.

The company said it plans to cut its absolute carbon emissions by 20% over the next four years and reduce emissions by 80% by 2050. As part of that effort, the medical, pharmaceutical and consumer goods producer aims to source 20% of its electric needs from renewable resources by 2020, with the ultimate goal of powering all of its facilities with clean energy by 2050.

On its website, Johnson & Johnson said it trimmed its energy use by 5.2% in the period from 2010 to 2015, decreasing usage to 12,837 terajoules from 13,537 terajoules. The company attributed the improvement to increased efficiency in the utility systems at its major manufacturing locations.

"To improve the efficiency of our operations, Johnson & Johnson has implemented five targeted demand-side efficiency efforts designed to optimize the largest energy-using systems at our most energy-intensive manufacturing and research properties," the company said. "These programs have not only reduced our energy consumption, they have also resulted in significant water reductions at the properties where they have been implemented."

In addition to monitoring emissions from energy consumption and transportation, the company said it also tracks its emissions of nitrous oxides, sulfur oxides, volatile organic compounds, hazardous air pollutants, particulate matter and refrigerants in order to reduce greenhouse gases.

The company touted its implementation of LEED-certified buildings as a "natural extension" of its environmental goals. 

"Minimum design standards address the use of energy, water and materials to reduce a building’s life cycle operating cost and environmental impact while improving indoor environmental quality for the health of its occupants," the company said.

Johnson & Johnson established its policy on sustainable design and construction in 2009; at the end of 2015, the company had 29 LEED-certified buildings in operation. 

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