Amgen has several programs directed toward reducing dependence upon scarce or non-renewable resources. Target areas include conservation of energy and resources, waste reduction and recycling, and preference for recycled or renewed products instead of new materials. Highlights from successful programs around Amgen sites demonstrate the range of this commitment.
Waste Reduction Programs Recognized by EPA
In 1994, Amgen’s Thousand Oaks headquarters adopted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) voluntary WasteWise program, which provides guidance and recognition to companies working to reduce municipal solid waste and improve financial performance. Since joining, Amgen has been honored more than once by WasteWise – most recently in 2006 with a Partner of the Year Award for most improved waste reduction. Amgen’s efforts have delivered dramatic results. The Thousand Oaks headquarters has consistently lowered the trash cost per person year-after-year -- from $102 in 1993 to only $16 in 2005. Innovative programs include recycling materials from a building demolition, donating unwanted supplies and equipment to community organizations such as schools and non-profit groups, and purchasing paper products that meet or exceed EPA guidelines for post-consumer waste content. Other notable achievements at Thousand Oaks include:
Other Amgen sites, including Fremont, Rhode Island and Puerto Rico, also have significant recycling and waste prevention programs.
Wastewater Conservation Program Saves
Water and Cuts Cost
Water is used throughout biotechnology manufacturing – to grow cells that synthesize the protein precursors to drug products, to filter the proteins out of the cell growth solution, and to clean equipment once a drug is made. To minimize the environmental impact of its water use, Amgen has extensive water conservation systems operating at its manufacturing sites in Rhode Island and in Puerto Rico. Company engineers designed a process that recycles wastewater at the 1,700-staff Rhode Island plant and reduces water use by as much as 160,000 gallons a day. Amgen Puerto Rico reuses 35 percent of its water, over 100,000 gallons a day, with its state-of-the-art water treatment plant. The Puerto Rico site anticipates reusing up to 80 percent of its water by the end of the year. Not only do the company’s water conservation systems cut water use, they cut costs. In both Rhode Island and Puerto Rico, water that once went down the drain is sent to the cooling towers.
Commuter Program Saves Time, Money and Stress
Amgen Washington staff are committed to commuting to work by environmentally-friendly means. Amgen Washington has exceeded the Commute Trip Reduction requirement set by the city of Seattle, for the past four years, with over 60 percent of its staff commuting to work other than driving alone. In 2005, Jan Law, staff transportation coordinator, received the Commuter Challenge Diamond Award for her efforts to promote and sustain an exceptional vanpool program at Amgen Washington. Washington sites currently have 16 vanpools carrying over 100 staff to work daily. An equal amount of staff commute both by carpools and bicycles, with over 200 arriving to work by public transit.
Commuter Challenge said of Amgen Washington: “It should come as no surprise that a company dedicated to helping people live longer, better lives is also committed to helping its employees do the same. One small way it does this is by providing an outstanding staff commute trip reduction program that saves employees time, money and stress each workday.”
Green Building Program Reaps Energy
Conservation Award
During the design and building of the company’s Helix Campus in Washington, which opened in 2004, designers, builders and stakeholders made a conscious effort to install energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly elements in the interior design, building facilities and landscaping. In 2005, the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce honored the Helix campus with a BEST (Business for an Environmentally Sustainable Tomorrow) Award for energy conservation and honorable mentions for water conservation efforts and environmental leadership. Energy Conservation Measures (ECM) at Amgen’s Helix Campus save approximately 7,000 MWh of energy per year, equivalent to the amount of energy used by approximately 678 Seattle households. Amgen continues to employ green building practices as it expands the Washington campus, which include energy-efficient lighting, boilers, transformers and compressors; ozone water treatment technology; use of low VOC-emitting materials; water-wise plantings and water-efficient irrigation systems, among others.
Amgen Adds Hybrid Cars as Sales Fleet
Transportation Option
In August 2006, Amgen began offering hybrid vehicles as part of the automobile options for the sales and other mobile staff, several of whom had made impassioned requests for the availability of more environmentally-friendly transportation. The company now has 18 hybrids in its fleet of 1,468, both mid-size and SUV-style. Although a small number, Amgen expects the program to grow as more long-term leases end.
Gene Andes, senior medical science liaison based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, was one staff member who lobbied for Amgen to consider more fuel efficient fleet vehicles citing his desire to leave a livable planet for his grandchildren and to have Amgen spend their money on research and development rather than extra gas. Andes said he loves his hybrid fleet vehicle both for its design and fuel economy which averages 45 miles per gallon.
“When Amgen made the decision to include hybrids, I felt proud to be associated with the company,” said Andes. “They listen.”