Lilly Exceeds Environment Goals; Sets new Targets

Today's guest blog comes from Greg Spratt, an adviser for Lilly Health, Safety, and Environment.

The medicines we make require the use of resources, such as energy, water, and raw materials. We know that how we operate today can have a lasting impact on people and the planet, so we affirmed our commitment to healthy lives and a healthy environment in 2007 with the launch of environment-focused performance goals.

We set out to increase energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gases, and decrease water use and waste. Our drive for continuous improvement meant meeting some of these goals well before our 2013 target date:

• Energy:  Goal was to improve energy efficiency and reduce corresponding emissions by 15 percent.  Actually improved energy efficiency by 17 percent and reduced corresponding greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent.
• Water: Goal was to reduce water intake by 25 percent. Actually reduced water use by 35 percent.
• Waste to landfill: Goal was to reduce waste to landfill by 40 percent. Actually reduced waste to landfill by 73 percent, with 11 sites achieving zero-landfill status.

To learn more about environmental goals set for 2020, please read our blog.