A major driver for many of us working in the biosciences, is having an opportunity to work on something that could have a positive impact on society. We come to work each day in pursuit of the next drug that could improve, extend, or save someone’s life. It’s an exciting space in which to work, but as with every industry, we rely on many of the planet’s resources to do our work. This is especially the case for the pharmaceutical industry whose reliance on cold-chain storage and shipping, energy intensive manufacturing processes, and single use packaging results in the industry being responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions each year that the automotive industry.
For all those working in the bioscience and pharmaceutical sector, it is thus essential for us to seek ways to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions if we are to be consistent with our goal of working towards the betterment of humanity and a brighter future. Some of the big players in the space are already doing this with, for example, Amgen opening a manufacturing plant which produces almost 70% fewer carbon emissions than older facilities, J&J looking to get all its electricity from renewable sources by 2025 and Pfizer aiming to be carbon neutral by 2030.
While here at DJS we’re only a tiny speck on the landscape compared to a multi-national pharmaceutical company, it’s equally important that we play our role in the transition to a carbon neutral world. Being small, flexible, and dynamic, positions us perfectly to do this and in doing so, perhaps we can lead large companies to better environmental solutions, just as we aim to do with our innovative approaches to drug discovery.
At DJS, we’re lucky to be based in the Wood Centre for Innovation, a building that has been designed to be energy efficient and utilises natural air flow for temperature regulation. We’ve also worked hard to increase the efficiency of our cold storage, reduce plastic usage, recycle, and encourage commuting by bike. Every little bit counts, and it is extremely exciting to announce that DJS Antibodies has become carbon neutral.
This is just the first step for us, and we look forward to a future of exciting scientific discoveries, supported by environmentally friendly processes, and before long, bringing you the world’s first carbon neutral medicine!
