AstraZeneca’s environmental performance objectives

1. AstraZeneca’s environmental performance objectives “ Our ongoing challenge is to continue to manage our environmental impact as we grow our business. 2006 saw the introduction of our new global environmental performance objective, namely: continuous improvement in the sustainability of all our activities by, among other things, economizing on the use of natural resources and work to eliminate environmental pollution. ”

2. AstraZeneca’s greenhouse gas emissions for 2006 Total GWP emissions 2006: 1.32 million tonnes Direct emissions from energy use 23% Emissions from inhalation medicine products 27% Emissions from imported energy, e.g. electricity, steam and district heat 22% Emissions from waste incineration 2% Travel and transport emissions 26%

3. AstraZeneca’s global warming potential Global Warming Potential: emissions 1990-2010 (million tonnes)

4. AstraZeneca’s environmental performance “ During 2006, we received approval to market a new asthma treatment, Symbicort, in the US, where over 30 million people suffer from this debilitating disease. Our new therapy provides rapid and effective asthma control in a pMDI (pressurized metered dose inhaler) containing HFA (hydrofluoroalkanes) propellant. The launch of this new therapy in the US, the world’s largest pharmaceutical market, will inevitably lead to an increase in emissions in HFAs as more and more patients benefit from the new medicine. ”

5. Ozone-depleting gas emissions Ozone Depleting Potential: emissions 1990-2010 (tonnes)

6. Student A Student B Give an opinion. Ask B’s opinion. Disagree. Interrupt. Ask for clarification. Persuade. Manage the discussion.

7. Model dialogue Peter: Well, I think we should accept sponsorship from the vodka company. [Gives an opinion.] How do you feel about it, Sarah? [Asks Sarah’s opinion.] Sarah: I’m afraid I don’t agree with you. Not everyone drinks vodka and I think it looks cheap and what’s more … . [Disagrees.] Peter: You say it looks cheap, but that’s the whole point! It will save the company money! [Interrupts.] Sarah: Are you saying then that we need to save money on the end of year party? Peter: Not exactly. Isn’t it a good opportunity though? [Persuades.] Sarah: Perhaps we need to give it a bit more thought. Look, not everyone drinks vodka and some people don’t drink at all. Let’s ask what other people think. [Manages the discussion.]

8. Model answer Josiah Wedgewood was a pioneer in social responsibility, building a village for his workforce in 1769. In addition, his products combined technology with classical culture. More than a century later, George Cadbury developed social housing for his chocolate factory workers. Consequently, Cadbury’s became one of Britain’s most respected companies. Both men were pioneers of corporate social responsibility. However, they were also accused of paternalism. Today, sustainable development policies aim to manage the effects of business on employees, the community, and especially on the environment. Multinationals like Shell are focusing on the idea if being good neighbours, in particular, by consulting local stakeholders before beginning new projects which may affect them.