       |
Our Accomplishments
The sustainable work practices that Roche Colorado employees implement have resulted in a wide spectrum of accomplishments in the area of pollution prevention and environmental protection:
Air Quality
In an effort to address community concerns regarding air quality, Roche Colorado made a commitment to reduce its total air emissions by 50 percent below 1989 levels. As the diagram indicates, Roche Colorado not only met its commitment to the 50 percent reduction goal, it exceeded the goal. Roche Colorado's 2004 Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions were 93 percent below 1989 levels.
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Air Emissions
Awards and Programs
Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award
Roche Colorado recieved the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge award from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This award recognizes Roche Colorado's success in designing a pharmaceutical production process that incorporates the principles of Green Chemistry. Specifically, Roche Colorado scientists developed an alternative synthetic pathway for the production of the antiviral agent, Cytovene®, that reduced solid and liquid waste by 89 percent and air emissions by 66 percent.
City of Boulder Industrial Pretreatment Program — Perfect Compliance Award
Roche Colorado has been recognized by the City of Boulder with the award for perfect compliance with its Industrial Pretreatment Program for five consecutive years.
Environmental Leadership Recognition
Roche Colorado received the highest environmental honor that the State of Colorado bestows, the title of Environmental Leader. The Environmental Leadership certification recognizes companies that perform above and beyond the existing mandated environmental regulations. Environmental Leaders, like Roche Colorado, must have a comprehensive and operational environmental management system and a pollution prevention plan that commits the company to a program of continuous environmental improvement.
EPA Climate Leaders Program
Roche Group U.S. affiliates are a Climate Leaders Partner. Climate Leaders is an EPA industry-government partnership that works with companies to develop long-term comprehensive climate change strategies. This is a voluntary program in which partners set corporate-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals and inventory their emissions to measure progress. Roche Group U.S. affiliates pledges to reduce total GHG emissions by 10 percent from 2001 to 2008.
Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE) Certification
Roche Colorado became one of three manufacturing facilities in Boulder County to receive PACE certification in 2000. PACE certification recognizes companies that demonstrate management support for a company-wide pollution prevention program and the implementation of projects that have a quantifiable benefit to the environment. For example, Roche Colorado works with its suppliers on solvent formulations that enhance recycling opportunities.
Best Workplaces for Commuters
Roche Colorado has been designated one of the Best Workplaces for Commuters through a program sponsored by the U.S. EPA and the U.S. Department of Transportation. This designation recognizes companies that promote the use of alternatives to single-occupant vehicle travel amongst their employees, providing them with benefits and services that facilitate the use of more environmentally sound commute options. According to the program website, the Best Workplaces for Commuters designation is "a mark of excellence for environmentally and employee-friendly companies."
