AstraZeneca

Carbon per million dollars of revenue. The legacy industry-standard reference (CDP, MSCI). Useful for cross-sector context, but distorted by margin — high-margin firms appear artificially efficient. Read alongside the operational and asset intensities for the full picture.

OpEx (operating expenditure) is the running cost of the business — staff, services, energy, materials. This shows how carbon-intensive operations are per million dollars of spend. Removes the margin distortion that revenue-based ratios introduce.

EVIC (Enterprise Value Including Cash) is the firm's total capital footprint — equity + debt + cash + minority interest. The EU's standard intensity measure (SFDR PAI 3) — answers: how much carbon does each million of capital deployed in this business produce?

PP&E (Property, Plant & Equipment) plus leased real-estate assets is the firm's physical infrastructure on the balance sheet. This shows the carbon intensity of that physical footprint — uses Scope 1+2+3 for consistency with the other headline intensities. Surfaces stranded-asset risk for asset-heavy firms.

• · berkeley_voluntary_registry
• · RE100
• · EPA Green Power Partnership

Following Climate Group's RE100 criteria, AstraZeneca has reached 97% certified renewable electricity across operations and aims for 100% by 2025. Internal standards focus on additionality (new renewable capacity), geographic relevance (PPAs displacing fossil energy close to consumption) and temporal relevance (24/7 matching). Key deals include a 200 GWh/year, 10-year wind PPA with Statkraft in Sweden; a 15-year unsubsidised biomethane agreement with Future Biogas (Moor Bioenergy, Lincolnshire) for UK R&D and manufacturing heat displacing ~18,000 tCO2e/year; Vanguard Renewables RNG for all US sites by end of 2026; biomethane-based steam at Wuxi, China; and a SMI-led joint renewable PPA in China enabling 9 suppliers to access ~225 GWh/year (industry savings ~250,000 tCO2e/year). Founding partner of Climate Group 24/7 Carbon-Free Coalition (2024).

$400 million invested in AZ Forest, a global reforestation and biodiversity programme co-designed with ecological experts, indigenous peoples and local communities. Over 40 million trees planted across six continents since 2020. Projects use diverse, locally appropriate native species; local tree projects monitored for an average of three years and large-scale reforestation projects for at least 10 years. Removals are framed as nature-based; the report does not discuss durable engineered removals (DAC/BECCS). A pilot carbon capture component is featured at the Future Biogas Moor Bioenergy biomethane plant in the UK.

• Next-generation propellant for pMDI inhalers (F-gas elimination)

  Transitioning pressurised Metered Dose Inhalers (pMDIs) to a next-generation propellant with near-zero Global Warming Potential. First approval received in UK in May 2025 (Trixeo Aerosphere); filings in EU and China; aim to transition wider pMDI portfolio by 2030. At Dunkirk, France, F-gas emissions from manufacturing are eliminated via vacuum purging of empty canisters and cryogenic capture/liquefaction for incineration or recycling. Use-of-sold inhaler propellants are a material part of AstraZeneca's product-emissions footprint.

• Circular operations and waste reduction

  Total waste reduced 13% vs 2015. At Coppell, Texas, a circularity programme repurposes ~11,915 metric tons/year of filtered material from a high-volume sachet production process into concrete-industry feedstock to avoid landfill. 96% of paper-based product packaging materials used in 2024 came from sustainable sources. Lab waste reductions through Green Labs programme (lab plastics, gloves recycling; reduced solvent use).

• Fleet electrification

  63% of AstraZeneca's car fleet are battery electric vehicles as of 2024, with a target of 100% electric road fleet where technically feasible by 2025.

• R&D and manufacturing site decarbonisation (Scope 1 & 2)

  Scope 1+2 emissions reduced 77.5% vs 2015 while doubling the business. Largest site Södertälje, Sweden (40% of global production volume) delivered a 98% Scope 1+2 reduction vs 2015 baseline 18 months ahead of its 2026 target; all Swedish sites including Gothenburg R&D have hit the 98% milestone. Newest sites designed to Ambition Zero Carbon Scope 1+2 targets from day one (e.g. DISC, Cambridge).

• Fleet electrification

  35% of AstraZeneca's road fleet are battery electric vehicles (vs 2015 baseline). Continued shift away from internal combustion supports Scope 1 reductions.

• Green Labs energy/waste efficiency

  Green Labs programme integrates sustainability standards into research processes with 4,000+ colleagues optimising lab practices. Focus on cold storage management, switching off equipment, eco-friendly waste disposal, recycling of plastics/gloves, and reducing raw material/solvent use. 100+ labs certified by My Green Lab; 41 at the highest Green level.

• Battery electric vehicle road fleet by end-2025

  EV100 commitment: 100% electric road fleet where technically possible by end of 2025. BEVs reached 35% of fleet in 2023 (up from 10% in 2022, 2% in 2021). Hybrid + PHEV represent additional 40%. Road fleet Scope 1 emissions fell from 92.5 ktCO2e (2015) to 47.8 ktCO2e (2023).

• Next-generation pMDI inhaler with near-zero-GWP propellant (HFO-1234ze(E))

  Tackles ~20% of Scope 3 footprint (Cat 11 use of sold products). Developing pMDI with HFO-1234ze(E) propellant (near-zero GWP) to replace high-GWP HFC propellants currently used in respiratory inhalers. 2023 milestones: Phase III investment decisions, harmonised global development programme, pivotal study readouts, regulatory filing studies initiated. Launch targeted by 2025.

• Business travel emissions management

  Cat 6 business travel emissions rose to 155 ktCO2e in 2023 (from 84 kt in 2021 post-COVID rebound) but remain below 2019 baseline of 327 kt. 32% of business-travel supplier spend now covered by verified SBTs (up from 14% in 2022); targeting 50% by 2025.

• Clean heat conversion at manufacturing & R&D sites

  Decarbonising energy-intensive manufacturing/R&D heat via biomethane (UK Future Biogas), RNG from food/farm waste (US Vanguard), and renewable gas (China Resources). The China partnership alone targets up to 80% reduction in Scope 1+2 emissions in China. 5 facilities (Lomas Verdes, Cotia, Nijmegen, Cairo, Cikarang) have already delivered a sustained 98% reduction in Scope 1+2.

• Site energy decarbonisation — clean heat (biomethane, electrification)

  Eliminate-reduce-substitute hierarchy applied to site fossil gas use. US sites to receive renewable natural gas from Vanguard Renewables (up to 190 GWh/yr by 2026, 36% of global gas). UK sites covered by 15-year Future Biogas biomethane agreement (100+ GWh, 19% of global gas). Heat pumps and electric boilers prioritised where feasible. Site energy Scope 1 fell from 167 ktCO2e (2015) to 93 ktCO2e (2023).

• F-gas substitution in inhalers (HFO-1234ze next-gen pMDI)

  Targeting 15% of Scope 3 footprint via product innovation. Partnership with Honeywell announced 2022 to develop next-generation pressurised metered-dose inhaler using HFO-1234ze, a near-zero GWP propellant; first launch targeted by 2025. Use-of-sold-products footprint targeted for 95% reduction by 2045. F-gas management programme initiated; reduce and capture F-gas emissions from production of respiratory medicines.

• EV transition of road fleet (EV100)

  Signed EV100 commitment to maximise EV transition by 2025. By 2022: 10% EV, 63% green fleet (EV, hybrid or plug-in hybrid); first market has reached 100% EV. Transition impeded by lack of vehicles, EV infrastructure and supply chain issues in some markets.

• Site energy efficiency and electrification (Scope 1&2)

  Natural Resource Efficiency Fund has invested ~$150m since 2015 in environmental efficiency innovations; $26.6m further invested in 2022 across 31 new projects ($21m on energy efficiency and on-site solar PV). 14.4% absolute energy reduction since 2015 baseline; EP100 target to double energy productivity by 2025. Substituting natural gas with renewable heat sources; heat pumps and electric boilers prioritised.

• Clean heat: biomethane and F-gas reduction

  Partnership with Future Biogas in UK to build a new renewable energy plant generating up to 125 GWh biomethane substituting natural gas, with BECCS for permanent CO2 storage. Targets transitioning 100% self-generated and imported heating/cooling to renewables. Also reducing and capturing F-gas emissions from respiratory medicine manufacturing.

• Fleet electrification (EV100)

  Member of Climate Group's EV100. In 2021: 2% electric vehicles; 57% green fleet (EV, hybrid or plug-in hybrid). Target fully electric vehicle fleet by 2025. Transition management cars to electric vehicles; minimise business air travel and switch from air freight to sea and rail freight.

• Next-generation respiratory inhalers with near-zero GWP propellants

  Partnership with Honeywell to develop and commercialise next-generation pressurised metered-dose inhalers using HFO-1234ze, a near-zero global warming potential propellant. Positive Phase I trial results in 2021. Target to launch first next-generation inhaler with low/near-zero GWP propellants by 2025. Expected to reduce patient use-of-sold-products emissions by 95% by 2030.

• Site energy efficiency and Natural Resource Efficiency Fund

  $130M invested since 2015 in natural resource efficiency projects, including 56 new projects and $30M spent in 2021; $25M allocated for 2022. Targets doubling energy productivity from 2015 baseline (EP100). Achieved 9% reduction in energy consumption in 2021.

• Downstream transportation and distribution

  Downstream transportation accounts for 4.8% of Scope 3. Achieved 29% reduction in freight and logistics emissions since 2015. Monitoring 1,300+ global logistics routes.

• Fuel combustion / clean heat decarbonisation

  Fuel combustion is 54.5% of Scope 1+2 — the largest operational source. Joined Renewable Thermal Collaborative in 2020. Clean heat studies underway for UK and US portfolios considering green gas to electrification of heat. Doubling energy productivity by 2025 under EP100.

• 100% electric vehicle fleet by 2025 (EV100)

  Fleet accounts for 17% of Scope 1+2 emissions. Committed to EV100 — switch to fully electric vehicle fleet by 2025. EV readiness study completed for all markets with fleet presence; countries identified as 'EV ready'.

• Eliminate F-Gas emissions at sites + next-generation low-GWP inhalers

  Site F-Gas and solvents account for 19.2% of Scope 1+2. Pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) use HFC propellants subject to Kigali Amendment phase-down. AstraZeneca committed to launch next-generation inhaler with near-zero GWP propellant by 2025 (90-99% reduction).

• Supplier engagement via SBTi and Energize

  More than 1,000 suppliers have committed to setting science-based targets — around one in 10 of all companies signed up to SBTi are AstraZeneca partners. Suppliers are supported through innovative decarbonisation solutions including the Energize programme. SMI-led joint China renewable PPA enabled 9 suppliers to procure ~225 GWh/year of wind and solar, with sector-wide annual savings of ~250,000 tCO2e.

• Patient pathway decarbonisation (healthier patient, greener patient)

  AstraZeneca quantifies emissions of suboptimal disease management — e.g. poorly-controlled COPD patients see ~50% higher annual care-related GHG emissions vs well-controlled patients. Early detection programmes (CKD screening targeting 140 million people; aim to reduce kidney failure cases 20% by end-2025) and the CARESA modelling tool (open-access from early 2025) help health systems decarbonise care pathways. Electronic Product Information (ePI) could save 50,000 tCO2e and 500,000 trees per year if rolled out across AstraZeneca medicines.

• Supplier decarbonisation — Energize, Activate and SMI Task Force

  Founding member of Energize (Schneider Electric + 19 pharma firms enabling supplier PPAs — 286 AZ suppliers registered; 2 TWh first PPA cohort announced Nov 2022). Joined Activate Programme for API supply-chain decarbonisation. SMI Health Systems Task Force signed industry-first renewable power agreement in China (Jan 2024) saving ~120 kt CO2e/yr. Target: 95% of purchased-goods/capital-goods supplier spend with verified SBTs by 2025 (29% in 2023).

• Supplier SBT engagement (Scope 3)

  With 97% of emissions in Scope 3, AstraZeneca targets 95% of key suppliers/partners by spend to have science-based targets by end of 2025. AZ suppliers represent 12% of all companies taking action with SBTi (as of May 2024). Collaborating via 'Energize' (renewable power access) and 'Activate' (API supply chain decarbonisation) industry programmes.

• Upstream transport modal shift — Air2Sea&Rail

  Reducing Cat 4 upstream transport emissions by shifting from air to sea and rail freight. 73% of tonne.km and 64% of volume moved by sea/rail in 2023. 27% of category-4 supplier spend now covered by verified SBTs (up from 19% in 2022).

• Next-generation low-GWP respiratory inhaler propellant

  Use-of-sold emissions from MDIs are a major Scope 3 driver. Developing next-gen inhaler propellant with near-zero GWP (99.9% lower), non-persistent, non-bioaccumulative. First launches anticipated from 2025 subject to regulatory approvals.

• Electronic Product Information (ePI) — packaging dematerialisation

  Transition to paperless product information leaflets. ~100 billion paper leaflets are printed annually for medicine packs industry-wide. In Maihara, Japan site achieved 100% switch to digital ePI in one year, eliminating 30m sheets of paper, 180t of waste, and 154t CO2 emissions.

• Supplier engagement via Energize + CDP Supply Chain

  By end 2025, 95% of spend in Scope 3 cat 1 (purchased goods) and cat 2 (capital goods) to be with suppliers having SBTs aligned to <1.5°C (12% achieved in 2022); 50% of spend in cat 4 (upstream transport) and cat 6 (business travel) likewise. Joined Energize (Schneider Electric + 16 pharma sponsors) to give suppliers access to renewable PPAs — 210+ AZ suppliers registered, 54% undertook Scope 3 training. 480+ suppliers (58% of in-scope spend) report GHG via CDP Supply Chain programme.

• Business travel reduction

  Business air travel emissions in 2022 were 53% below the 2019 baseline (baseline of 327 ktCO2e for cat 6 business travel). Combined with freight is included in target of 50% supplier spend by 2025 covering transportation, distribution and business travel having SBTs, and 46% GHG reduction by 2030.

• Freight modal shift (air to sea/rail)

  Achieved 74% by tonne.km transition of freight from air to sea and rail by 2022 — addressing Scope 3 cat 4 (upstream transportation and distribution), which had a 2019 baseline of 248 ktCO2e. Target 46% GHG reduction in upstream transportation and business travel by 2030.

• Product sustainability — Process Mass Intensity and circular manufacturing

  Internal Product Sustainability Index (PSI) launched 2021, with pilot across 4 brands. Targets 90% of API syntheses meeting resource efficiency targets at launch by 2025. Achieved 14% PMI reduction across late stage project portfolio in 2021. Life cycle assessments identify CO2 hotspots in clinical trials (travel, samples, waste) and solvents (>70% of API footprint).

• Supplier engagement via CDP Supply Chain and Energize programme

  Top 250 suppliers invited to participate in CDP Supply Chain Programme; >70% disclosed climate data in 2021. Launched Energize programme at COP26 with industry peers and Schneider Electric to provide suppliers with access to renewable power at scale. Target 95% of suppliers by spend (purchased goods/services + capital goods) covered by approved SBTs by 2025; 50% covered for transportation/distribution/business travel. In 2021, 7% of spend with companies with approved SBTs.

• Use of sold products (patient pMDI use)

  Use of sold products (primarily pMDI patient use) accounts for 12.5% of Scope 3. Addressed via next-generation low-GWP inhalers and research showing improved asthma management reduces reliever overuse — up to 250,000 tonnes CO2e per year in UK alone tied to reliever overuse.

• Purchased goods and services supplier engagement

  Purchased goods and services represent 73.9% of Scope 3 emissions. Engaging suppliers to set Science Based Targets — in 2020, 4% of total procurement spend was with companies that have set or committed to SBTi targets. Sustainability Partner Guide and Framework drives supplier sustainability performance.