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Bayer launches Group-wide climate program

Bayer Management Board Chairman Werner Wenning presented the integrated worldwide Bayer Climate Program, aimed at further reducing the Group's CO2 emissions, to an international news conference.

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Bayer Management Board Chairman Werner Wenning presented the integrated worldwide Bayer Climate Program, aimed at further reducing the Group's CO2 emissions, to an international news conference.

Leverkusen – In November Bayer launched an integrated, Group-wide “Bayer Climate Program” with the aim of further reducing CO₂ emissions from its production facilities and developing new solutions for climate protection and dealing with climate change. Covering a period of several years, it encompasses different measures based on the newly formulated “Bayer Policy on Climate Change.”

“We are well aware that we are an emitter of greenhouse gases,” said Bayer Management Board Chairman Werner Wenning, presenting the new climate program to more than 100 journalists at an international press conference in Leverkusen. “That was why in the past we had already focused attention on lowering CO₂ emissions.” Between 1990 and 2006 the company reduced its absolute global greenhouse gas emissions by a significant 36 percent. In addition, specific emissions per product unit were lowered as a result of consistent improvements in energy efficiency.

New emissions targets
For the period from 2005 through 2020, Bayer has set new emissions targets that are particularly ambitious in light of the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions it has already achieved. The Bayer MaterialScience subgroup plans to cut its specific greenhouse gas emissions per ton of sales product by 25 percent globally. Bayer CropScience is targeting a reduction of 15 percent in its absolute global emissions, and Bayer HealthCare is aiming for 5 percent.

Lighthouse projects initiated

The “Bayer Climate Program” means the company is bundling its specific expertise as an inventor company. The first lighthouse projects are already under way. Working together with a number of partners, Bayer has developed the “Eco Commercial Building,” a globally adaptable concept for zero-emission buildings. Bayer will launch the project with a building of its own. In the spring of 2008, it will begin the construction of a new company office building near New Delhi, India, thereby realizing the “Eco Commercial Building” concept for the first time.

At the same time, the company wants to make use of the possibilities offered by biotechnology to make plants more resistant to climatic conditions such as drought and heat, and is making an important contribution to the growing of crops as raw materials for biofuels.

Making production processes more climate-friendly

Bayer has developed a new tool for increasing energy efficiency and reducing CO₂emissions from its production plants, known as the “Bayer Climate Check,” to ensure climate protection aspects are taken into account when production processes are optimized. The climate check also includes the upstream stages of production – raw materials, energy and logistics – in the assessment. The company also plans to employ the climate check to assess technology projects and major new investment plans. Through the end of 2009, 100 production facilities throughout the world, currently accounting for some 85 percent of Bayer’s greenhouse gas emissions, will be scrutinized to identify emissions reduction potential.

New policy for vehicle fleets

Bayer is also involving its employees around the world in this integrated program. Incentive systems will be introduced, initially in Germany and then gradually in other countries, for using low-emission vehicles and natural gas-fueled company cars. In this way the Bayer Group aims to cut the emissions caused by company vehicles by 20 percent between 2007 and 2012. In addition, the increased use of modern telecommunications technologies is aimed at reducing business air travel.

Promoting innovation

In addition, Bayer is planning to introduce two initiatives to promote scientific innovation in the field of climate protection and encourage young people to take an interest in the topic. Firstly, the recently established “Bayer Science & Education Foundation” will present the “Bayer Climate Award,” worth €50,000. The Foundation will also enable school students to attend seminars abroad on the subject of climate protection.

Named “Best in Class” again

“We want to continue growing, not least because we manufacture innovative products for efficient climate protection and for dealing with climate change,” Wenning stressed at the news conference. Bayer products already contribute in many different ways to saving energy and conserving resources in everyday life. For example, polyurethane insulating materials in buildings and refrigerators help save large amounts of energy.

For these achievements, independent institutions like the Carbon Disclosure Project have voted Bayer “Best in Class” on numerous occasions. In 2007 the company was included for the third time in a row in the Climate Disclosure Leadership Index – the world’s first climate protection index. Bayer is the only European company in the chemical industry to receive this honor.

“We at Bayer take climate change very seriously and regard it as an ecological and economic challenge,” continued Wenning. In its mission statement “Bayer: Science For A Better Life,” the company acknowledges and accepts the need for it to behave as a socially and ethically responsible corporate citizen. Said Dr. Wolfgang Plischke, Bayer Management Board spokesman for Innovation, Technology and Environment: “We will work consistently on implementing the integrated Group-wide ‘Bayer Climate Program’ in the coming years.”

For more information, visit http://www.climate.bayer.com/