#GreenInnovationForum | “To move toward net-zero emissions in healthcare, at AstraZeneca we are transforming every aspect of our value chain”

Organized by AseBio and the Government of Navarra through Sodena, the Navarre Development Society, the Green Innovation Forum will gather more than 200 professionals on November 19 in Pamplona to discuss the opportunities biotechnology offers as a key tool in the transition toward a more sustainable, carbon-neutral, and greener economy.
The 2024 Green Innovation Forum provides a unique meeting point with leading Spanish and international companies and research institutions in the field of green biotechnology. AstraZeneca, a Bronze Sponsor, gives us an in-depth look at this landmark event in the sector. Marta Moreno, Director of Corporate Affairs and Market Access at AstraZeneca Spain, shares in this interview how the company fosters sustainability and the reasons behind its support of the Green Innovation Forum's fifth edition.

AseBio: What is AstraZeneca?

Marta Moreno: AstraZeneca is a global pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative treatments to improve patients' lives and strengthen healthcare systems. With over 25 years of experience and 10 Nobel prizes supporting our legacy, we have a team of nearly 90,000 employees in more than 125 countries.
Our work focuses on priority therapeutic areas, including Oncology, CVRM (cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism), Respiratory and Immunology, Vaccines and Immunotherapies, and Rare Diseases. We seek solutions for critical illnesses like cancer, chronic kidney disease, and lupus. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed a non-profit vaccine, reflecting our commitment to global health.
In Spain, we have more than 2,000 employees and lead in the number of clinical trials, especially in Oncology, highlighting our commitment to research and innovation to tackle global health challenges.

AseBio: AstraZeneca operates in 125 countries with a philosophy rooted in the concept of “One Health,” emphasizing the close relationship between human health, the planet, and the environment where it operates. How do you understand sustainability? What are your main strategies?

Marta Moreno: At AstraZeneca, we see sustainability as an essential connection between the health of people, the planet, and the environment where we operate. Our "One Health" philosophy embodies this commitment, integrating sustainability into all our operations and daily decisions. Our strategy is based on three core pillars: access to basic healthcare, environmental protection, and ethics and transparency.
We are committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 98% by 2026 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 through our global plan ‘Ambition Zero Carbon.’ Initiatives like AZForest and our collaboration with Honeywell to develop inhalers with lower climate impact reinforce our dedication to environmental protection. Additionally, with programs like ePI, we aim not only to improve healthcare but also to reduce paper usage and minimize our environmental footprint, underscoring our commitment to a sustainable future for all.

AseBio: And at the national level?

Marta Moreno: In Spain, AstraZeneca has achieved 100% renewable energy usage, including our fleet. We recently opened new offices in Madrid, designed with recyclable materials, near-zero energy consumption, and efficient water use.
Since 2022, we have promoted the "Cities that Inspire" project, which supports initiatives to improve air quality in collaboration with eight cities and fourteen scientific societies. We have also joined the Biodiversity and Natural Capital Pact, continuously assessing and reducing our environmental impact.
We have received the triple MITECO seal "Calculate, Reduce, and Offset" and encourage environmental volunteering, with 1,600 employees involved in reforestation, recycling, and decarbonization projects, highlighting our commitment to sustainability and the preservation of the natural environment.

AseBio: One of your goals is to accelerate the arrival of net-zero emissions in healthcare. What steps are you taking in this regard

Marta Moreno: To move toward net-zero emissions in healthcare, AstraZeneca is transforming every aspect of our value chain. We have adopted sustainable practices in our daily operations, such as constructing energy-efficient facilities and using recyclable materials in our offices.
We work closely with suppliers and partners to reduce emissions at every stage of our medicines' production and distribution. We also foster innovation in products and processes to minimize environmental impact, such as digital technologies that optimize resource use and sustainable transportation solutions for product distribution.
We collaborate with governments, regulatory agencies, scientific societies, and patient associations through projects that provide patient-centered innovative solutions, aiming to improve system efficiency while reducing the environmental footprint of healthcare.
Finally, we engage our employees in sustainability programs and environmental volunteering, promoting an organizational culture committed to reducing emissions and restoring natural ecosystems. These steps reflect our commitment to leading a transition toward more sustainable healthcare.

AseBio: What is the main objective of participating as a sponsor in the 2024 Green Innovation Forum?

Marta Moreno: The main goal of our participation in the Green Innovation Forum 2024 is to drive dialogue and collaboration around sustainable innovation. We want to highlight our commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of healthcare and share our experiences in integrating sustainable practices. Additionally, we aim to learn from other leading organizations and encourage joint initiatives that contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.