Sustainability and energy efficiency are increasingly at the forefront of corporate strategies. Although external drivers for companies are similar, policy and implementation can vary widely. However, there are many approaches that can improve a company’s energy efficiency and sustainability, explains Duncan White, a leader of the Science and Industry business at Arup.

The built assets of companies in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries have a high proportion of manufacturing facilities and laboratories; this leads to higherthan- average energy use compared with other industries.

Opportunities for performance improvement in new and existing facilities are financially significant and thus worthy of consideration. Arup works with many leading global companies, such as Procter & Gamble, Pfizer, Walmart and Disney, to improve their energy efficiency and sustainability performance.

Drivers

Improvements in energy efficiency are a current focus for costconscious companies. There is an ever-present threat of rising utility costs and of potential legislation on carbon production, and the reduction of energy use and of carbon emissions goes a long way to prepare for these threats.

A clear policy, combined with sound technical guidance, is highly advantageous to the delivery of tangible benefits. This article sets out these two fundamental components.

Sustainable policy development

A firm’s sustainability policy requires leadership commitment, grass roots buy-in, a policy implementation team, goal-setting, benchmarking, and the selection and measurement of key performance indicators (KPIs). Arup’s approach to developing its own corporate sustainability policy mirrors that of many of its clients. It includes:

  • the recognition by the company’s global leadership of the need to implement a formal policy
  • the creation of a formal working group, with regional representatives
  • the appointment of a group sustainability director to develop and implement the policy
  • the establishment and development of global KPIs
  • the implementation of internal policy
  • the external reporting of sustainability measures

Typical policy objectives

  • to reduce impact from existing operations
  • to demonstrate environmental stewardship
  • to improve investor returns by reducing lifecycle costs
  • to develop company culture around sustainability
  • to specify targets on energy, carbon, water, waste, and diversity
  • to prepare for the future

Corporate sustainability guidance is most effective when planned on two levels:

1. High-level targets: High-level targets typically include reductions in energy, water, waste and carbon usage, and the establishment of global diversity targets. Here, corporate direction on the capital and operating costs for sustainability decisions is extremely beneficial.

2. Technical guidance to achieve high-level targets: Arup’s research shows that there are approximately 100 potential sustainability solutions for an individual laboratory or manufacturing facility. In order to prevent project creep, many companies provide clear guidance on which of these solutions should, or should not, be implemented.

For example, some companies implement a minimum LEED rating on all projects; others focus on particular sustainability objectives that are based on selected criteria, such as financial payback. In addition, measurement and benchmarking have been demonstrated as essential to drive change.

Key considerations to be included in guidance for sustainable facility construction and operational improvements are:

  • sources of renewable energy
  • benefits and challenges of government incentives
  • assessment of both new and existing operations
  • selection and orientation of buildings on sites
  • building envelope (roof and façade)
  • lighting and day-lighting
  • active systems (such as mechanical systems)
  • water conservation and recycling
  • benchmark setting and the reporting of energy and sustainability achievements (to promote internal and/or external competition).

Summary

Key benefits of a good approach to sustainability will include reduced lifecycle costs, improved customer and public perceptions, enhanced morale of employees, and readiness for future legislation.