The pursuit of net-zero emissions is gaining momentum across industries, and pharma manufacturing is no exception. As facilities work to reduce their carbon footprint, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has introduced a groundbreaking definition for zero emissions buildings (ZEB), offering a clear roadmap for sustainable design and construction.
Understanding Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions
To achieve net-zero, pharmaceutical companies need to address their greenhouse gas emissions across three scopes. Firstly, Scope 1 emissions include direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, such as on-site boilers or company vehicles. Secondly, Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heat, or steam.
Lastly, Scope 3 encompasses all other indirect emissions across the value chain, including those from suppliers, transportation, and product use. Pharmaceutical manufacturing often has a significant Scope 3 footprint due to complex supply chains. While the DOE’s new ZEB definition primarily focuses on operational (Scope 1 and 2) emissions, it also promotes reductions in Scope 3 emissions by encouraging energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy.
The cornerstones
The DOE defines a ZEB by three fundamental criteria:
- Energy efficient: The building must minimize energy consumption through high-performance design and materials, directly reducing Scope 2 emissions and potentially impacting Scope 3 emissions related to energy production.
- No on-site emissions: The building must eliminate all greenhouse gas emissions from its energy use by removing fossil fuel-powered systems and appliances, targeting Scope 1 emissions.
- Clean energy powered: The building must rely entirely on clean energy sources such as solar or wind, reducing Scope 2 emissions.
Zero emissions vs. zero energy buildings
While both ZEBs and zero-energy buildings aim for sustainability, they are not the same. ZEBs focus on eliminating operational carbon emissions, while zero-energy buildings aim to produce as much energy as they consume over a year, often through on-site renewable sources. A ZEB can be a zero-energy building, but not all zero-energy buildings are ZEBs.
Building owners can use resources like the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool to determine if a building meets the criteria for zero energy status. This tool helps document and analyze energy performance data. While the DOE’s ZEB program doesn’t offer a specific certification for zero-energy buildings, it encourages the use of Portfolio Manager or other methods that offer comparable or better data analysis helps demonstrate that a building can generate as much energy as it uses annually.
Why this definition matters
The DOE’s zero emissions building definition is crucial for pharmaceutical facilities for several reasons. Being in alignment with ESG (environmental, social, and governance) goals is increasingly becoming a key performance indicator for investors and stakeholders. By adopting ZEB standards, companies can show their commitment to sustainability.
Another important benefit is cost savings. Energy-efficient buildings powered by renewable energy can lead to significant reductions in operating costs over the long term. This combination of sustainability and economic efficiency makes ZEBs an attractive option for pharma companies seeking to reduce their environmental impact while boosting their bottom line.
The DOE’s zero emissions building definition is a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. By embracing this standard, pharma facilities can create healthier, more sustainable buildings while contributing to a net-zero future. Adopting these practices helps reduce operational emissions and sets a benchmark for the entire industry, encouraging broader efforts toward environmental responsibility.
