Pfizer

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

Pfizer is a member of RE100 and has committed to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2030. Pfizer invests in no- and low-carbon technologies at sites and through Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs) that enable sourcing of renewable energy. VPPAs covering solar projects in Spain and the United States, coming online in 2025, are expected to generate RECs to cover approximately 100% of Pfizer's purchased electricity needs in North America and the EU. Pfizer also has on-site solar at multiple facilities globally and purchases renewable electricity via retail supply contracts backed by Guarantees of Origin (GOs) and IRECs in several countries. As of 2024, 14.4% of total electricity was from renewable sources. Pfizer is working to advance country-specific projects to cover electricity consumption outside of North America and Europe.

The 2024 Impact Report does not disclose use of durable carbon removals (DAC, BECCS, biochar) or offset retirements. Pfizer's stated path to net zero by 2040 emphasizes absolute reductions: 95% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 and 90% reduction in value chain emissions from a 2019 baseline. The company describes biodiversity site-level work and tree-planting (e.g., '175 Trees' project resulting in 600+ trees planted) as nature-positive initiatives but does not characterize these as carbon removals or quantify removal credits.

• Manufacturing & R&D site energy efficiency

  Reducing GHG emissions from manufacturing and R&D facilities is a key element of reaching net-zero by 2040. Pfizer invests in no- and low-carbon technologies, pursues LEED-certified facilities (NY HQ LEED Platinum, Ringaskiddy/Madrid LEED Gold, Vienna Platinum in 2024), and manages F-gases/refrigerants to limit ozone-depleting and high-GWP materials.

• Fleet electrification (battery electric vehicles)

  Pfizer's vehicle fleet, used largely by commercial teams to engage healthcare providers, accounted for ~12% of total Scope 1 GHG emissions in 2024. Pfizer is transitioning to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with BEVs on the road in 10 markets and plans for additional markets in 2025+. Three electric vehicle tractors and charging stations deployed at Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin logistics center.

• Business travel emissions reduction

  Target: reduce business travel emissions 25% by 2025 from a 2019 baseline. Travel-related GHG emissions in 2024 were 55% lower than the 2019 baseline (188 ktCO2e vs 421 ktCO2e). Pfizer has implemented digital tools to limit travel and uses preferred carriers advancing GHG targets.

• Sustainable packaging and product LCAs

  Pfizer conducted 20+ life cycle assessments across small molecules, large molecules, vaccines, and medical devices. The Pfizer Clear digital tool estimates Scope 3 GHG emissions for packaging, devices, and single-use systems. Transitioning to electronic product information via 2D barcodes, exploring low-carbon aluminum, bio-based plastics, and recycled corrugated packaging.

• Sustainable Medicines Program — LCAs and green chemistry to reduce product lifecycle GHG impacts

  Pfizer's Sustainable Medicines Program drives process innovation to reduce GHG impacts across the product lifecycle. Pfizer has conducted over 20 life cycle assessments (LCAs) across small molecules, biologics, vaccines, and devices to identify emissions hotspots. These insights inform manufacturing improvements and product design decisions. Pfizer is a founding member of the Pharmaceutical Life-Cycle Assessment (Pharma LCA) Consortium, working toward a sector-wide LCA standard. The green chemistry innovation Enviero® progesterone uses a plant sterols pathway reducing manufacturing GHG by approximately 72% (184 kg CO2e per kg vs 256 kg CO2e per kg for the original route).

• Fleet electrification (sales/commercial vehicles)

  Pfizer's vehicle fleet — primarily commercial sales reps engaging with healthcare providers — accounted for ~12% of Scope 1 emissions in 2024. Pfizer is transitioning to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) where feasible, plus other low-emission options, and supports fuel management/efficient driving for ICE vehicles until retirement. BEVs are on the road in 10 markets with plans for additional markets in 2025 and beyond. Fleet and site upgrades combined are projected to reduce Scope 1 by 20-25%.

• Manufacturing & R&D site energy efficiency program

  Pfizer's manufacturing sites account for ~70% of company energy consumption and Scope 1+2 emissions. In 2024 Pfizer invested ~$31M (OPEX $6.2M + CAPEX $24.8M) in 232 emission-reduction projects across 32 sites, projected to reduce emissions by ~30,500 tCO2e annually and save ~$7.7M/year. Key 2024 projects: HVAC upgrades at Andover (MA), Kalamazoo (MI), Rocky Mount (NC); chiller/compressed-air improvements in Kalamazoo; boiler conversion from diesel to natural gas in Vizag, India. Sites maintain Net-Zero master plans and 2025-2030 pipeline of 340+ additional projects requiring $190M+ incremental investment.

• Business travel reduction (Scope 3 Cat 6)

  Pfizer targets 25% reduction in Scope 3 Cat 6 business travel by 2025 vs. 2019; as of 2024, travel emissions were 55% below 2019 baseline (well ahead of target). Approach includes embedding sustainable travel messaging in booking tools, collaboration with preferred carriers aligned with GHG reduction goals, education on purposeful travel, and exploring policy revisions to further align travel with long-term emissions goals.

• Manufacturing energy efficiency — 232+ projects reducing Scope 1 and 2 by ~30,500 tCO2e/year

  Pfizer's Environmental Impact Reduction Standard requires all sites to develop systematic energy conservation plans. In 2024, Pfizer completed over 230 emission reduction projects at 32 sites globally, investing approximately $31M (OPEX $6.2M + CAPEX $24.8M) to reduce emissions by nearly 30,500 tCO2e annually. Key projects include HVAC upgrades at Andover, Kalamazoo, and Rocky Mount; chiller and compressed air improvements in Kalamazoo; and a boiler conversion from diesel to natural gas in Vizag, India. Projected annual cost savings of approximately $7.7M. Sites with medium-to-large energy use maintain sustainability master plans and set internal annual targets.

• Fleet electrification — transitioning commercial sales fleet to battery electric vehicles

  Pfizer's fleet of vehicles, used primarily by commercial teams for healthcare provider engagement, accounted for approximately 12% of total Scope 1 GHG emissions in 2024. Pfizer is working to transition its fleet to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and other low-emission vehicle options. BEVs are on the road in 10 markets with plans for additional markets in 2025 and beyond. Pfizer is also supporting fuel management and efficient driving choices for internal combustion vehicles until they can be retired. Fleet and site upgrades are projected to reduce Scope 1 emissions by 20-25% toward the 2030 target.

• Business travel reduction — 55% below 2019 baseline via digital tools and purposeful travel

  Pfizer set an SBTi-validated target to reduce business travel emissions 25% by 2025 vs 2019. As of end 2024, travel-related GHG emissions were 55% lower than the 2019 baseline, significantly exceeding the target. Pfizer has embedded sustainable travel messaging in booking tools, uses digital platforms to limit travel, and collaborates with preferred carriers aligned with GHG reduction goals. Air, car, and rail emissions include well-to-wheel (WTW) factors. Pfizer is exploring internal policy revisions to further align travel with long-term emissions reduction goals.

• Sustainable science & life-cycle assessments

  Pfizer is conducting representative LCAs for small molecules, large molecules, vaccines, and devices to identify highest-impact reduction opportunities, and is developing sustainable product-design principles across R&D. Participating in a consortium with NHS England to develop a sector-wide LCA standard for pharmaceuticals.

• PGS manufacturing site energy efficiency & low-carbon capex

  Manufacturing at Pfizer's internal sites (PGS) accounts for >70% of energy consumption and GHG emissions. Sites maintain master plans identifying emission-reduction opportunities; capex projects are reviewed via the capital appropriation process. Investments include replacing end-of-life equipment with energy-efficient alternatives and shifting from gas to electric heating to reduce exposure to fuel-price volatility.

• Business travel reduction (25% by 2025 vs 2019)

  2025 target: 25% reduction in business travel emissions from 2019 baseline (384 thousand tCO2e). 2023 emissions of 173 thousand tCO2e remain well below the 2019 baseline but are rebounding sharply post-COVID (39 in 2021 → 94 in 2022 → 173 in 2023). Pfizer added estimates for off-system travel (~10%) to improve completeness.

• Green building design for new facilities

  New Hudson Yards (NYC) headquarters designed to LEED v4 Gold and WELL v2 Gold; forecasts ~70% GHG reduction vs 2019 HQ. New Tuas Singapore API facility earned Green Mark Gold (Dec 2022). Kalamazoo modular aseptic processing facility targeting LEED Gold by 2024. Funded by $1.25B sustainability bond issued in 2020 ($946M allocated as of Dec 2022).

• Business travel reduction via digital tools

  Pfizer implemented digital collaboration tools to reduce business travel and help colleagues choose lower-emission options when travel is necessary. 2022 business travel emissions were 78% below 2019 baseline, partly due to pandemic restrictions. SBTi-validated target to reduce 25% from 2019 by 2025.

• Green chemistry / API process redesign

  LCAs show 70-90% of small-molecule product carbon footprint is from API manufacture, with organic solvents the largest contributor. Pfizer applies green chemistry, solvent recycling/reuse, and process step reduction. Example: Enviero® progesterone now synthesized via plant sterols pathway, reducing carbon footprint ~72% (184 kg CO2e/kg API saved vs original route).

• Manufacturing & R&D site energy efficiency and low-carbon technology

  Manufacturing and R&D sites (>70% of company energy use) have environmental sustainability plans. Pfizer invests in no/low-carbon technologies, replaces end-of-life equipment with energy-efficient alternatives, and pursues process enhancements to reduce process steps and resource demand. Site master plans identify emission reduction opportunities reviewed via capital project appropriation process.

• Business travel reduction (-25% by 2025 vs 2019)

  Target to reduce business travel GHG emissions by 25% from 2019 baseline by 2025. 2022 travel emissions of 80.2 ktCO2e were 78% lower than 2019 baseline (359.5 ktCO2e). Will continue utilizing digital tools to limit travel.

• Sustainable medicines: green chemistry and LCAs

  Long history of green chemistry. Developing sustainable product design principles across modalities. Conducting representative life cycle assessments (LCAs) for small molecules, large molecules, vaccines and devices to identify GHG reduction focus areas in development and manufacturing.

• Site energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies

  Manufacturing and R&D sites have environmental sustainability plans to reduce energy consumption, water and waste. Pfizer replaces equipment at end-of-life with energy-efficient alternates, invests in no/low-carbon technologies, and undertakes process enhancements to reduce steps and resources. PGS accounts for >70% of Pfizer's energy use and GHG emissions and is the executive sponsor of climate risk management.

• Green chemistry and sustainable product design

  Pfizer is developing sustainable product design principles across modalities to systematically conserve energy, reduce water/raw materials, drive out waste, and embrace circular solutions. Representative life-cycle assessments (LCAs) for small molecules, large molecules, vaccines, and devices are used to identify GHG reduction opportunities in development and manufacturing.

• Green building design and low-carbon capital investment in new facilities

  Pfizer integrates environmental sustainability into all capital projects. The new Tuas, Singapore API manufacturing facility received a Green Mark Gold Certificate (December 2022) and incorporates heat recovery from chillers and air compressors. The new Hudson Yards, New York headquarters is targeting LEED Gold and WELL v2 certification with a forecast ~70% GHG reduction vs 2019 headquarters. The Kalamazoo, Michigan aseptic processing facility is on track for LEED Gold by 2024. An internal carbon shadow price of $20/tCO2e is applied to capital expenditure decisions to encourage low-carbon design choices.

• Business travel reduction via digital tools and lower-emission option selection

  Business travel (Cat 6) represented ~6% of Pfizer's Scope 3 footprint in the 2019 base year (359,523 tCO2e). In 2022 travel emissions were 80,167 tCO2e — 78% below baseline, substantially aided by pandemic-related restrictions. Pfizer has implemented digital tools to reduce the need for travel and, where travel is necessary, helps employees choose lower-emission transport options. A 25% absolute reduction from the 2019 base by 2025 has been set as an SBTi-validated target. Travel booked outside Pfizer's system (9-13% of air, 35-45% hotel, 15-22% car) is estimated to add >5% to reported totals.

• Cold-chain logistics decarbonisation: modal shift from air to ocean freight

  Upstream transportation and distribution (Cat 4) is Pfizer's second largest Scope 3 category at 712,318 tCO2e in 2022 (vs 611,059 tCO2e 2019 base), representing ~7% of total Scope 3. Increased emissions in 2022 were driven by continued global COVID-19 vaccine distribution predominantly by air using cold-chain technologies. Pfizer actively reduced emissions by transitioning other product shipments from air to ocean and is partnering with logistics suppliers to identify further reductions including potential use of biofuels. A 10% reduction target vs 2019 by 2025 was set and validated by SBTi.

• Manufacturing energy efficiency: HVAC, chiller and boiler upgrades across 31 sites

  Pfizer's manufacturing and R&D sites (Pfizer Global Supply) account for ~75% of company energy consumption and Scope 1+2 emissions. In 2022, Pfizer invested $26M to implement 103 energy-efficiency projects at 31 sites in Europe, Asia, India and the US, reducing emissions by ~21,000 tCO2e annually and saving ~$6M per year. Projects included HVAC optimisation (50% of savings), chiller replacement/optimisation (19%), and boiler, compressed air, steam and lighting improvements. Medium and large sites are required to maintain sustainability master plans identifying prioritised emission reduction opportunities reviewed quarterly by senior leadership.

• Manufacturing site energy efficiency and HVAC/chiller replacement

  Pfizer Global Supply (manufacturing) accounts for ~75% of company's energy consumption and Scope 1+2 emissions. In 2022 invested $26M to implement 102 emission reduction projects at 31 manufacturing sites in Europe, Asia, India and US, reducing emissions ~20,912 tCO2e annually. ~50% of savings from HVAC optimization/replacement, ~20% from chiller replacements, remainder from boiler, compressed air, steam, lighting upgrades.

• Manufacturing & R&D site energy efficiency

  Manufacturing and R&D sites maintain long-term environmental sustainability masterplans covering energy efficiency, water, and waste. Pfizer invests $25-40 million per year on energy demand reduction via asset replacement, efficiency improvements and renewable installations, achieving ~$3-5M annual savings with 4-10 year paybacks. Manufacturing accounts for >70% of company energy and GHG.

• Green building design for new facilities

  Sustainability Bond proceeds funding new multi-product API facility in Tuas, Singapore (energy-efficient design, comprehensive metering, completion 2023) and new corporate HQ at Hudson Yards NYC (targeting LEEDv4 Gold and WELLv2 Pilot Gold; 30% lighting power reduction below LEEDv4 baseline; low-flow plumbing). $401M of 2020 Sustainability Bond proceeds allocated to environmental projects through Dec 2021.

• Green chemistry & API process optimization

  Life cycle assessments determined 70-90% of small-molecule product carbon footprint is API manufacturing; organic solvents are largest single contributor. Pfizer is conducting LCAs across small molecule, large molecule and device portfolios, applying green chemistry, solvent recycling and reuse. Kalamazoo, MI site recovered >50% of solvents used in 2021 through onsite distillation columns.

• Business travel reduction via digital tools

  Business travel emissions were 92% below 2019 baseline in 2021 due to pandemic. Pfizer has implemented digital tools to reduce travel need and help colleagues choose lower-emission options. Target is 25% reduction from 2019 baseline by 2025 (SBTi 1.5°C aligned).

• Manufacturing & R&D site energy efficiency (sustainability masterplans)

  Manufacturing and R&D sites operate under long-term environmental sustainability masterplans to reduce energy consumption, water usage, and waste. Pfizer invests $25-40 million annually in emission reduction projects (asset replacement, efficiency improvements, on-site renewables), achieving ~$3-5M annual savings. Replacing equipment at end-of-life with energy-efficient alternatives and pursuing low-carbon technologies. Manufacturing accounts for >70% of energy consumption.

• Business travel reduction (25% by 2025 vs 2019)

  Business travel emissions fell 92% vs 2019 baseline due to pandemic restrictions (from 351.5kt to 29kt CO2e). Going forward, Pfizer commits to a 25% reduction from 2019 baseline by 2025, leveraging digital tools to permanently reduce travel.

• Green chemistry and API process redesign

  70-90% of small-molecule product carbon footprint is from API manufacturing. Pfizer applies green chemistry, life cycle assessments, and solvent recycling. Example: new plant-sterol-based progesterone route generates 71.6 kg CO2e/kg vs 255.62 kg historical route (72% reduction, 184 kg CO2e/kg avoided).

• Green building design for new facilities (Tuas Singapore API plant + Hudson Yards HQ)

  New Tuas, Singapore API manufacturing facility designed with integration of energy-efficient systems and comprehensive metering (target completion 2023). New NYC HQ at Hudson Yards designed to meet/exceed LEED v4 Gold and WELL v2 Pilot Gold standards: lighting power demand 30% below LEEDv4 baseline, low-flow plumbing, advanced energy metering. $401M of 2020 Sustainability Bond proceeds allocated to these environmental projects as of Dec 31 2021.

• HVAC and chiller optimization across manufacturing sites

  In 2021 Pfizer invested $19M in 80+ energy efficiency projects at 19 manufacturing sites, achieving ~17,000 tCO2e annual reductions. ~46% of savings from HVAC replacement/optimization, 34% from chiller replacements (Belgium, Ireland, Italy, US), remainder from boiler, compressed air, steam, lighting. Projected $2.7M annual operating savings.

• Coal-fired boiler exit at Kalamazoo

  In early 2021 Pfizer concluded a three-year project to replace six coal-fired boilers at Kalamazoo, MI manufacturing site that had operated since 1948-1952, eliminating 10,800 tCO2e GHG emissions, 208 tons of non-GHG emissions, and 1,550 tons of coal ash annually.

• Operational energy efficiency at manufacturing sites

  Manufacturing at Pfizer Global Supply (PGS) sites accounts for ~70% of direct energy consumption and GHG emissions. Pfizer delivered a 33% Scope 1+2 reduction from 2012 to 2020 via 1,000+ energy projects yielding >$5m annual savings. PGS strategy includes mandated site energy master plans and a GHG KPI tracked on the CFO/EVP Global Supply dashboard.

• Green Chemistry: process redesign to cut manufacturing CO2

  Pfizer applies the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry to drug development. Example: the enzymatic route to abrocitinib delivered a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions (kg CO2e/kgA) and a 68% reduction in process mass intensity vs the early synthetic route, while eliminating two hazardous substances and replacing halogenated solvents.

• Manufacturing site energy efficiency (PGS)

  Pfizer Global Supply (manufacturing) accounts for 75% of energy consumption and GHG emissions. In 2020, 57 projects (HVAC optimization, compressed air, heat recovery, lighting upgrades, chilled water improvements) delivered 22,123 tCO2e reductions and $3.2M annual savings on $39.6M invested. Medium/large sites maintain sustainability master plans reviewed at corporate level.

• Fuel switching away from coal at manufacturing sites

  Three-year project completed early 2021 to replace six coal-fired boilers at Kalamazoo, Michigan with natural gas, eliminating 10,800 mT CO2e annually. Coal had been burned at the site since 1948-1952. Lower-return projects are approved despite long paybacks (10-15 years for some renewable installations).

• Business travel reduction (25% by 2025 vs 2019)

  Pfizer committed to reduce business travel emissions 25% by 2025 from a 2019 baseline as part of SBTi-validated targets. 2020 business travel emissions were 35,128 tCO2e (heavily reduced by COVID-19).

• Supplier engagement on science-based targets

  Scope 3 emissions are ~4x direct operations and procurement of goods and services is the largest contributor. Target: drive 64% of suppliers by spend to set science-based targets by 2025. Currently 65% of suppliers by spend have or have committed to develop SBTs (up 27% vs 2023). In 2024 Pfizer hosted PSCI annual meeting, ran a supplier summit, and launched a training academy for suppliers on measuring/reducing GHG emissions.

• Upstream logistics: air-to-ocean shift and biofuels

  Target: reduce upstream transportation and distribution emissions 10% by 2025 from 2019. In 2024 emissions were 23% lower than the 2019 baseline and 40% lower than 2023. Pfizer's Ocean Program shifts shipments from air to ocean (up to 98% emission reduction per route) and expanded into Indonesia, Egypt, and Australia-to-US. In Europe, biofuels reduced truck shipment emissions by ~32% in 2024; sustainable aviation fuel cuts air emissions ~29%; ocean uses sustainable maritime fuels.

• Supply chain decarbonisation — 65% of suppliers (by spend) with SBTi-aligned targets

  Pfizer's Scope 3 GHG footprint is approximately four times that of its direct operations; procurement of goods and services (Cat 1) represents 78% of total Scope 3. Pfizer's SBTi-validated supplier engagement target requires 64% of suppliers by spend to adopt science-based GHG reduction targets by 2025. As of end 2024, 65% had committed, exceeding the target. Pfizer engages suppliers through annual supplier summits, the Energize (renewable energy PPA education) and Activate (API supply chain decarbonisation) programs, a training academy, and contract requirements mandating science-based targets. Over 309 suppliers registered for Energize; 39 Pfizer supplier organizations representing 68 facilities participate in Activate.

• Upstream logistics decarbonisation — air-to-ocean shift, biofuels, electric freight vehicles

  Pfizer targets a 10% reduction in upstream transportation and distribution (Scope 3 Cat 4) emissions by 2025 vs 2019. As of end 2024, Cat 4 emissions were 23% below the 2019 baseline. In 2024, Pfizer shifted shipments from air to ocean where feasible, adopted biofuels in select transport lanes with certified emissions factors, piloted electric medium-duty freight vehicles in regions with supporting infrastructure, and advanced circularity initiatives to reduce waste and emissions. Pfizer uses the GLEC Framework for emissions calculations and applies low emissions fuels certificates provided by logistics suppliers.

• Sustainable medicines / Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) program

  Pfizer is a founding member of the Pharmaceutical Life-Cycle Assessment (Pharma LCA) Consortium and has conducted 20+ LCAs across small molecules, large molecules, vaccines, and devices. Insights inform manufacturing process improvements and product design. Example outcome: Enviero® progesterone synthesized via plant sterols pathway, reducing GHG impact ~72% (from ~256 to ~72 kg CO2e per kg progesterone) vs. legacy chemical synthesis route.

• Upstream transportation & logistics decarbonization

  Pfizer aims to reduce Scope 3 Cat 4 upstream transportation 10% by 2025 vs. 2019; as of 2024, Cat 4 emissions were 23% lower than baseline. Tactics include: shifting shipments from air to ocean where feasible, adopting biofuels with certified emissions factors, piloting electric medium-duty freight in regions with supporting infrastructure, and developing an internal visualization tool that provides transparency on emissions per route by customer, lane, and mode.

• Supplier engagement: 65% of spend with SBTi-aligned targets

  Procurement of goods and services is the largest contributor to Pfizer's Scope 3 emissions (78% of Scope 3). Pfizer targets 64% of suppliers by spend to set science-based GHG reduction targets by 2025; as of end-2024, 65% had committed (vs. ~38% in 2023). Pfizer is engaging ~500 parent suppliers representing ~80% of Cat 1+2 emissions. Tools include: PSCI membership, annual Supplier Summit, Pfizer-sponsored training academy, Energize program (renewable PPA education via Schneider Electric — 309 suppliers registered), and Activate program (39 supplier organizations, 68 facilities participating in API decarbonization).

• Supplier science-based-target engagement (64% by spend by 2025)

  Scope 3 represents ~80% of Pfizer's emissions. Strategy: embed environmental criteria in vendor selection, strengthen contract expectations, and engage key suppliers to set SBTi-validated GHG goals. Progress: 19% (2021) → 51% (2023) of suppliers by spend with science-based targets; goal 64% by 2025.

• Energize (supplier PPAs) and Activate (API decarbonisation) consortia

  Pfizer participates in Energize, a cross-pharma collaboration giving suppliers access to renewable-electricity PPA markets they could not otherwise reach. Also a member of Activate, a collective-action initiative supporting decarbonisation of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) supply chains.

• Upstream transportation & distribution emissions

  Upstream transport emissions trended up from 249 ktCO2e (2019) to 440 (2022) before dropping to 305 in 2023, partly driven by methodology realignment with the GLEC framework and increased use of primary activity data. 2025 goal: 224 ktCO2e (10% below baseline).

• Upstream transport decarbonisation: air-to-ocean modal shift

  Upstream transport is ~7% of Scope 3. SBTi-approved target to reduce 10% by 2025 from 2019 baseline. In 2022 emissions increased due to continued COVID-19 vaccine cold-chain air distribution, but Pfizer transitioned other product shipments from air to ocean and is partnering with logistics suppliers on biofuel options.

• Upstream transportation & distribution (-10% by 2025 vs 2019)

  Target to reduce upstream transport emissions 10% from 2019 baseline by 2025. PAXLOVID and COVID-19 vaccine cold-chain air transport drove increases, but Pfizer eliminated ~50,000 mt CO2e in 2022 by shifting other shipments from air to ocean.

• Supplier engagement on science-based targets

  Scope 3 is ~80% of Pfizer's footprint; procurement of goods and services is the most significant contributor. Target: drive 64% of suppliers by spend to set SBTi-validated GHG reduction goals by 2025; reached 29% in 2022 (up from 19% in 2021). Pfizer integrates environmental criteria in sourcing/contracting and participates in collective initiatives including Energize (PPA access for suppliers) and Activate (API supply-chain decarbonization with peer pharma companies).

• Upstream transportation mode-shift

  Although emissions from cold-chain air transport of PAXLOVID and COVID-19 vaccine continued to grow, Pfizer eliminated approximately 50,000 mt of GHG emissions in 2022 by transitioning other product shipments from air to ocean. Target is 10% reduction in upstream transport emissions by 2025 from 2019 baseline.

• Supplier engagement: requiring science-based targets for 64% of spend by 2025

  Purchased goods and services represent 85% of Pfizer's total Scope 3 footprint (~$8.2 Mt CO2e in 2022). Pfizer has integrated environmental criteria into supplier sourcing, contracting and performance management, requiring ~200 key suppliers (10% by number, 64% by spend) to establish SBTi-aligned Scope 1+2 GHG targets by 2025. At end of 2022, 29% of procurement spend had obtained or committed to SBTi targets. Pfizer also co-founded the Energize programme with 10 pharma peers (delivered by Schneider Electric) to help pharmaceutical suppliers access renewable energy PPAs and EACs, and joined the Activate initiative in November 2022 to decarbonise API supply chains including CMOs.

• Green chemistry and LCA-driven product design to reduce API carbon footprint

  70-90% of the carbon footprint of Pfizer's small molecule products is associated with manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), with organic solvents the single largest contributor. Pfizer conducts life cycle assessments across small molecule, large molecule, vaccine and device portfolios to define environmental sustainability criteria throughout the product lifecycle. Green chemistry innovation (e.g. the Enviero progesterone plant-sterols pathway reducing API carbon footprint by 72%) and solvent recycling and reuse programmes are being advanced. Pfizer also joined the Activate initiative in 2022 to drive GHG reductions at API suppliers and CMOs.

• Supplier engagement: catalyzing SBTs across 64% of spend

  Purchased goods and services represent ~85% of Scope 3 emissions. Pfizer's SBTi-approved supplier engagement target requires 64% of suppliers by spend to set science-based targets by 2025. At end of 2022, 29% of suppliers by spend had SBTi-approved targets or commitments (up from 5% in 2019). Integrated environmental criteria into supplier sourcing, contracting, performance management. Co-founded Energize program for renewable energy procurement and Activate for API supply chain decarbonization.

• Supplier engagement: 64% by spend setting SBTi targets by 2025

  Scope 3 (value chain) GHG footprint is ~4x direct operations; procurement of goods/services is largest scope 3 contributor. Pfizer integrated environmental criteria into supplier sourcing, contracting, performance management. Target 64% of suppliers by spend to set SBTi targets by 2025 (29% as of 2022, up from 19% in 2021). Joined Activate initiative for API supply chain decarbonization. CDP Supplier Engagement Leader 2018-2021.

• Upstream transport & cold-chain logistics

  Upstream transportation & distribution emissions reached 672.6 kt CO2e in 2021, driven by air-cold-chain transport of COVID-19 vaccines. Pfizer committed to a 10% reduction by 2025 from 2019 baseline; urgent shift from ocean to air for COVID products increased logistics emissions.

• Supplier engagement: 64% of spend with SBTi targets by 2025

  Scope 3 is 4x Pfizer's direct operations, with purchased goods & services representing 66% of Scope 3 baseline. Pfizer is asking all suppliers to establish a GHG baseline by end of 2022 and set SBTi-aligned Scope 1+2 reduction targets by end of 2025. 10% of suppliers by spend had SBTi-approved targets in 2021; target is 64% by 2025. Joined 'Energize' (Schneider Electric-led pharma collaboration with 10 companies) to enable supplier renewable energy PPAs.

• Upstream transport & distribution (10% reduction by 2025)

  Upstream transportation & distribution accounted for 15% of Scope 3 baseline (672.6kt CO2e in 2019). Goal is 10% reduction by 2025 vs 2019 baseline. COVID-19 vaccine cold-chain air freight has driven upstream logistics emissions higher than baseline, presenting a near-term challenge.

• Supplier engagement & SBT cascade

  Scope 3 represents >80% of Pfizer's footprint with purchased goods & services the largest category (66% of Scope 3). Pfizer is asking suppliers to establish a GHG baseline by end of 2022 and set SBTi-aligned Scope 1+2 targets by end of 2025; goal of 64% of suppliers by spend with SBTs by 2025. 10% of suppliers by spend had SBTi-approved targets in 2021. Pfizer is part of the Energize collaboration (10 pharma companies, Schneider Electric) to enable supplier PPAs.

• Supplier science-based target catalyzation

  Pfizer committed to drive 64% of suppliers by spend to set their own science-based GHG reduction targets by 2025. Suppliers asked to establish GHG baseline by end of 2022 and SBTi-aligned targets by end of 2025. As of 2021, 10% of suppliers by spend had SBTi-approved targets. Environmental criteria embedded in supplier sourcing, contracting and performance management.

• Upstream logistics decarbonization (Cat 4)

  Upstream transport emissions were elevated in 2021 (685k tCO2e vs 509k baseline) due to air-freighted COVID vaccine cold chain and 2021 Suez Canal-driven ocean-to-air shifts. Pfizer is engaging key logistics suppliers (FedEx, UPS, CH Robinson) to develop reduction plans and shift shipments from air to ocean where feasible.

• Upstream logistics emissions (10% reduction by 2025 vs 2019)

  Pfizer committed to a 10% reduction in upstream-logistics emissions by 2025 from a 2019 baseline, recognising that indirect (value chain) emissions account for ~80% of its carbon footprint.

• Supplier engagement: science-based targets across 111 key suppliers

  Pfizer engages 111 key suppliers (pharmaceutical ingredients, drug products, packaging, R&D collaborators, freight forwarders) to set GHG reduction goals. As of 2020, 52% had reduction goals (vs 90% target) and the second-generation goal is for suppliers to set science-based targets by 2025. Mechanisms include embedding sustainability criteria in vendor selection, contract clauses, and direct engagement. Recognised on CDP Supplier Engagement Leaderboard 2018-2020.

• Supplier engagement: 64% by spend to set SBTs by 2025

  Recognizing indirect emissions account for ~80% of carbon footprint, Pfizer commits to catalyze 64% of suppliers (by spend) to adopt science-based GHG reduction targets by 2025. Approach includes embedding environmental sustainability in vendor selection, strengthening contract language, and direct engagement. At end of 2020, 86% of key suppliers were managing environmental impacts and >75% had GHG reduction goals in progress.

• Upstream logistics decarbonisation (10% by 2025)

  Pfizer commits to reduce emissions from upstream transportation and distribution by 10% by 2025 from a 2019 baseline (SBTi-approved). Upstream T&D was the largest single Scope 3 category outside purchased goods at 723,558 tCO2e in 2020, inflated by dry-ice/COVID vaccine cold-chain logistics.