Future generations will look back on the first half of the 21^st century as a critical moment in the history of our planet.

It’s clear that we all have a responsibility, right now, to meet the immense challenges posed by climate change. Pfizer, like the NHS, is determined to play its part.
 

We have taken decisive action to drive our business towards challenging sustainability goals. We know that by working together we can achieve so much more, so we are making it clear that we expect similarly high standards of our suppliers. 

The need to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions is of critical global importance, and Pfizer is supporting the drive for Net Zero – defined by the United Nations as cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, with any remaining emissions re-absorbed from the atmosphere.¹

A voluntary Net Zero Standard, launched by the Science Based Targets initiative in 2021, requires companies to set long-term science-based targets to cut all possible emissions before 2050, and most companies must reduce emissions by more than 90%. It also states that permanent carbon removal and storage must be used to counterbalance the final <10% of residual emissions that cannot be eliminated.²

The UK Government has set a Net Zero target for all its health services³ - NHS England, for example, has declared a bold aim to be the world’s first Net Zero national health service.⁴ Pfizer stands shoulder-to-shoulder with this level of ambition by committing to meeting the Net Zero Standard by 2040 ten years ahead of the requirement.⁵ We are asking suppliers to follow our lead.

Our commitment builds on more than 20 years of environmental action, realising greater than a 60% reduction in company (Scope 1 & 2*) emissions from 2000 to 2020.⁶

For us, this links directly to our company purpose – breakthroughs that change patients’ lives – by recognising that taking decisive action to protect our environment will benefit all of us, individually and as a society.

Landmark events such as Earth Day offer important moments to reflect on what we have committed to achieve, and how much more we can do. We are determined to work with the NHS, and with all our partners and suppliers, to develop a truly collective effort and to establish momentum. We all need to be bold, seize the moment, and achieve the results that the next generation depend on us to deliver.

Pfizer's approach to Environment, Social & Governance (ESG):
 

Our commitment to advancing sustainability priorities is embedded into key elements of Pfizer’s business and decision-making. It guides our actions and enables us to enhance our performance by:

1. prioritising the health and well-being of society and the environment
2. driving investment in our people
3. upholding high ethical standards in the ways we do business