Managing our environmental footprint
Vertex is committed to having a positive and sustainable impact in the communities where we work and live. We believe practicing environmental responsibility and considering climate change risks in our operations help to positively contribute to healthy communities and economies.
Vertex is committed to having a positive and sustainable impact in the communities where we work and live. We believe practicing environmental responsibility and considering climate change risks in our operations help to positively contribute to healthy communities and economies.
Our sustainability initiatives
We are committed to limiting our environmental impacts and to operating our business in a sustainable manner. Learn more in our commitment to sustainability, health and safety statement.
Reducing emissions
In 2015, we established a goal to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by 35% by 2020 (on an absolute basis). We met and exceeded that target by 2019, reducing our absolute GHG emissions by 39% globally. From there, we set a new target in line with the Science Based Targets initiative to further reduce global carbon emissions by an additional 20% by 2024 (on an absolute basis). We are on track to meet this target and a limited assurance is available for our global GHG emissions.
Operating efficiently
Vertex is committed to environmental sustainability in our operations and facilities management. Our major office and research facilities are certified to LEED or BREEAM designation. Our London and Oxford, U.K. facilities source 100% renewable energy and, in 2020, the San Diego research site installed solar panels to partially offset the building's energy needs.
Minimizing waste
Minimizing our waste footprint continues to be a key component of our sustainability efforts. In 2021, more than 60% of our total waste was diverted from landfill globally and our Oxford, U.K. office has sent zero waste to landfill since 2015. Another example of these efforts relates to vendor partnerships in which Vertex collects and sanitizes certain disposable plastic items from our labs for recycling and repurposing uses, such as making plastic lumber.
Promoting sustainability
Vertex employees are passionate about environmental sustainability. Each of our major locations host grassroots “green teams” for employees to brainstorm ideas and collaborate on projects to make Vertex even more sustainable. Vertex employees across the globe also participate in annual Earth Day events to learn how they can lead a more sustainable lifestyle.
