GHG Emissions  -  November 2, 2021

Moderna Outlines Path to Achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2030

Moderna announced Nov. 1 that it is committed to achieving net-zero emissions globally by 2030.

The biotechnology company plans to establish baseline energy, waste, and water metrics in order to inform the creation of a comprehensive ESG program, in addition to assessing the utilities infrastructure of its manufacturing site in Norwood, Mass., to establish a carbon reduction timeline.

Moderna also plans to use renewable energy in its U.S. facilities beginning in 2021 and to purchase RECs to cover remaining electricity consumption. The company will offer its employees fully subsidized public transport, bike sharing, and free electric charging stations to encourage green transportation. 

To improve the energy efficiency of its facilities, Moderna is working on the retrieval of LEED Platinum Core & Shell and LEED Zero Energy certifications for its new Science Center in Cambridge using efficient building systems with acoustical and light pollution mitigation measures. Furthermore, the company will incorporate sustainable design and construction elements into all of its new projects, starting with new manufacturing plants in Canada and Africa.

Finally, Moderna plans to engage its suppliers to support their own net-zero transitions and work with partners across industries to create new net-zero solutions.

“As we continue through this period of accelerated growth, we will continue to make corporate responsibility a critical part of who we are and what we do with a sense of purpose,” Stéphane Bancel said in a statement. “From the delivery of our COVID-19 vaccine to our investment in renewable energy, we always seek to do the right thing, the right way. It is critical for a high-growth company like Moderna to set such a goal. We will build Moderna in a way that minimizes our impact on the planet while delivering innovative vaccines to prevent people from getting sick and medicines to help those who have diseases.”