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
We are committed to doing our part to mitigate climate change by managing our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In 2019 we set a target to reduce our global carbon emissions by 20% by the end of 2023 on an absolute basis and in line with the Science Based Targets initiative. We exceeded this target and reduced our absolute GHG emissions by 21.4% by the end of 2022, one year ahead of schedule. In 2023 we intend to establish our next global emissions targets.
Operating efficiently
Vertex is committed to environmental sustainability in our operations and facilities management. 83% of the square footage of our buildings globally are or are expected to be green certified by the end of 2023. We continue to source 100% renewable electricity for our U.K. facilities and, in 2020, the San Diego research site installed solar panels to partially offset the building's energy needs.
Minimizing waste
Minimizing waste continues to be a key component of our sustainability efforts. In 2022, 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.
