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Merck Targets a 20% Reduction in Carbon Dioxide Emissions

03 Aug 2009 - Merck KGaA announced that it has set new, ambitious climate protection targets for its global pharmaceutical and chemical operations: By the year 2020, global carbon dioxide emissions are to be reduced by one-fifth, measured against the 2006 level. For comparison: The European Union is aiming to lower CO2 emissions by 20% relative to the 1990 level. This information can be found in the new Corporate Responsibility Report, which Merck issued. This corporate citizenship report is published every two years to inform stakeholders about the company’s key projects to promote sustainable development.
 
With respect to the reduction of pollutant emissions, Merck is also expanding the measurement scope: To date, only direct emissions were taken into account, meaning those emissions that a company itself releases by burning fossil fuels for steam or power generation, or through the production process. Effective immediately, indirect emissions are also included, meaning those emissions released in the generation of purchased energy, such as electricity, natural gas or distance heating. The reduction measures focus on the 15 sites that jointly produce over 80% of Merck’s total emissions worldwide.