Lek receives the 2021 Energy Efficient Company award
- Total energy consumption at Novartis sites in Slovenia has fallen by 7.7% and water consumption by 15% in the last two years, taking into account increased production.
- The comprehensive energy system, which includes more than 2,000 measurements and monitors 750 indicators, is supported by active energy management.
- The sites are entering a period of gradual transition towards the use of renewable energy sources to meet Novartis' goals of environmental sustainability and climate neutrality.
Novartis sites inSlovenia have a long tradition of energy management, contributing to their competitiveness. Robert Ljoljo, President of the Managent Board of Lek d.d. and Novartis Country President Slovenia, points out: ''Energy efficiency is at the heart of our development and production of high added value medicines. It is a parallel implementation of our strategies to digitize our operations and to move to a carbon-neutral business, which we are planning to roll out at our first site in Slovenia in2024. At Novartis, we want to be agents of positive change. We are working towards carbon neutrality in our own processes by 2025 and throughout our supply chain by 2030. The Finance newspaper award means a lot to us, as it confirms that our policies and results garner wider recognition.''
Three comprehensive energy audits have been carried out at all sites since 2000. Targeted energy monitoring was introduced after 2013, when an energy information system was installed, fully tailored to the needs of the pharmaceutical industry. Opportunities for improvement are identified through analyses of electricity, steam, heat, cold and compressed air consumption. The targets for the energy efficiency indicators, of which there are more than 750, are continuously adjusted and determined on an ongoing basis, including daily and weekly. Gašper Antičevič, Technical Services Lead Slovenia, who works with a team of colleagues across all sites to ensure efficient energy management, explains: ''In the last two years, we have reduced energy consumption by 30 GWh and water consumption by more than 200,000 m3, taking into account production growth. This is the result of long-term work and the environmental awareness and suggestions of our employees, without whom these achievements would not have been possible.'' During this period, over 300 projects were carried out to improve energy efficiency, such as the reuse of waste heat, waste water and raw materials, the installation of state-of-the-art energy equipment, the digitalization of controls and processes, and the regular professional training of around 50 employees.
Novartis is using energy efficiency to mitigate environmental and climate impacts and build resilience to energy and climate change. Sites are already preparing for a gradual transition to renewable energy and innovative technologies, which will have an impact on changes in the way energy is produced and used. The first sustainability strategy for a single Novartis site has been developed by experts in Slovenia and integrates energy and waste streams through an innovative circular economy project.
The Energy Efficient Company award, presented by the Finance newspaper, is therefore a great incentive for Lek and Novartis in Slovenia to achieve carbon-neutral operations.
Novartis is the leading provider of medicines in Slovenia, where Lek d.d., Novartis Pharma Services Inc., Podružnica v Sloveniji and Sandoz d.d., operate. Together we are building and maintaining the reputation of a dynamic, ethical, and trusted pharmaceutical company. Lek develops, manufactures, and markets effective, safe, and high quality medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients. With our knowledge, quality, and experience we have gained an important role in Novartis' organizational structure, especially in the Novartis Technical Operations, Global Drug Development, Novartis Business Services, and the generic division Sandoz. We are the leading Sandoz development center, and one of the key development sites for technologically complex projects. We invest a great deal in the development, education, and training of our employees. Over the last nine years, the company has created more than 3,350 new job opportunities, making us one of the biggest employers in Slovenia. Novartis invested in Slovenia more than EUR 2.7 billion since 2003.
About Sandoz
Sandoz, a Novartis division, is a global leader in generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars. Our purpose is to pioneer access for patients by developing and commercializing novel, affordable approaches that address unmet medical needs. Our ambition is to be the world’s leading and most valued generics company. Our broad portfolio of high-quality medicines, covering all major therapeutic areas, accounted for 2020 sales of USD 9.6 billion.
About Novartis
Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people’s lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world’s top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach nearly 800 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 109,000 people of more than 140 nationalities work at Novartis around the world. Find out more at www.novartis.com.
This press release contains statements and conclusions based on projections of Lek’s future business operations. These estimates are derived from the best information currently available. In case these forecasts prove unreliable, the actual results could prove different from those projected.
For additional information contact:
Gregor Makuc
Communications & External Engagement
Lek Pharmaceuticals d.d.
Phone: +386 1 580 22 43
gregor.makuc@sandoz.com
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Gregor Makuc
T: +386 1 580 22 43
info.lek@sandoz.com