Reducing Energy Use & Climate Change Impacts

In 2011, we achieved a reduction in total onsite energy use across the company for the second consecutive year.

The total onsite energy use reduction was driven by energy use reductions at Genentech's three largest sites in South San Francisco (SSF), Vacaville and Oceanside. Energy reductions at our SSF site resulted from HVAC improvements in offices and laboratories as well as lighting efficiency projects. Our SSF site is targeting a 15% reduction in total onsite energy use by 2014 (2009 baseline). Between 2009 and 2011, the site achieved a 6% reduction despite an increase in the total square footage of our buildings.

Onsite energy use is responsible for 88% of Genentech's Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions (see pie chart at right). Between 2010 and 2011, Genentech's total scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions decreased by 8%. Primarily this was driven by a combination of energy efficiency measures implemented by Genentech and an increase in the amount of clean energy delivered by electricity generators to the regional grid.

The vehicle fleet data are comprised of vehicles driven by commercial and other field-based employees. These vehicles contribute approximately 95% of the total fleet greenhouse gas emissions, while onsite vehicles are responsible for 5% of the total fleet emissions. The increase in vehicle fleet emissions between 2008 and 2009 is due to the transfer of Roche US Commercial employees to Genentech. Vehicle fleet emissions decreased between 2010 and 2011, due to a reduction in the number of fleet vehicles combined with an improvement in fuel efficiency of the fleet.

The reason for the apparent reduction in emissions of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, which are used in air conditioning and fire suppression equipment, is an improvement in the method used to track these emissions. We believe the 2010 and 2011 values more accurately reflect actual emissions from HFC refrigerants. In line with Roche corporate commitments, we are implementing a plan to eliminate the use of all halogenated hydrocarbons over the next few years.

In addition to scope 1 and 2 emissions, we also track emissions from air travel by employees on business, and commuting by our SSF based employees. In combination, these emission sources comprise 30% of our total tracked emissions and we are taking measures to reduce these emissions. We have estimated our SSF 2011 employee commute emissions to be 27% lower than in 2009. This improvement is due to a combination of factors including a reduction in the distance traveled by commuters driving alone and a continued increase in the percentage of our employees using the transit options provided by Genentech under its gRide program.

Between 2008 and 2010, we saw an increase in emissions from air travel, due primarily to integration-related travel following the merger with Roche. 2011 data indicates that emissions from air travel are now stabilizing and we are pursuing ways to reduce our air travel, including raising employee awareness about the environmental impacts and available alternatives to traveling, such as use of the Telepresencetm technology installed at our sites.