Under the premise of “innovations that change patients’ lives,” the biotechnology company Pfizer works to achieve solutions that positively impact people’s lives. By applying science and developing therapies, medicines and vaccines, the company seeks to “improve health outcomes, build trust, create shared value and have a positive impact on society over the coming years,” as expressed in the company’s recently presented 2023 Impact Report.
«The company’s ESG strategy worldwide, explains Sergio Rodríguez, Director of Institutional Relations and Access at Pfizer Spain and President of the Pfizer Foundation, focuses on six priority areas: product innovation; climate change; access and equitable prices; quality and safety of medicines and vaccines; diversity, equity and inclusion; and business ethics.»
The Impact Report covers progress in sustainability during 2023, and details the projects carried out during that year in three areas: environmental, social and governance (ESG).
Smaller environmental footprint
The company is focused on reducing the impact of its activity in several areas: reducing emissions, conserving resources and minimising waste from its operations.
One of the goals set at a global level is to reduce emissions to achieve the Net Zero objective in 2040. To this end, photovoltaic panels have been installed in Spain at the San Sebastián de los Reyes biotechnology plant, with a production capacity of 2,250 MWh/year, which prevent the emission of 450 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, and the implementation of an energy efficiency control system in the central office building in Alcobendas, which will reduce consumption by 90,000 kW/year.
To meet its commitment to use 100% renewable energy by 2030, Pfizer has signed power purchase agreements that will lead to four new solar panel installations in Spain. These are expected to produce at least 350 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable energy, the equivalent of what would be consumed by approximately 36,000 homes.
These infrastructures will supply electricity to the municipalities near the photovoltaic plants. In this way, the company will offset the electricity consumed by Pfizer’s facilities in Europe for 15 years (from 2025 to 2040), and will have certificates guaranteeing its renewable origin.
Furthermore, through innovation, the company strives to design more efficient processes to reduce the environmental impact of medicines throughout their life cycle, integrating sustainable product design principles into R&D processes.
Milestones in R&D&I
In its specific activity as a biomedical company, the 2023 Impact Report highlights the investment in R&D&i of 77 million euros, according to data from Profarma 2022, 42% more than in 2021 and the collaboration with 732 research centers in Spain.
And in its clinical activity, the company has participated in 91 clinical trials in 2023: 3 in phase 1, 27 in phase 2, 48 in phase 3 and 13 in phase 4. Most of these trials, 42 of them, have been carried out in the area of oncology, followed by inflammatory diseases and neurology.
Valuing people
Pfizer’s ESG strategy also focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion, creating opportunities for its workforce and society. Currently, its team in Spain is made up of 57% women and 43% men. “At Pfizer we want to have an incredible place to work, foster and recognise talent and create inclusive and inspiring work spaces that favour professional development,” said Sergio Rodríguez. For this reason, it continues to develop the 2022-2026 Equality Plan that promotes equal treatment and opportunities, prevents workplace discrimination and advances conciliation measures.
In terms of employment, the Wellbeing Committee has been created, which carries out programmes to improve the quality of life of the staff. Rodríguez highlights that “the company’s actions for the wellbeing of employees at work have obtained the Top Employer seal for the fourth consecutive year, with a score of 91.31%. This confirms that we are going in the right direction.”
In collaboration with Pfizer