Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Electron Microscope Manufacturing

Sustainable operations of electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer manufacturing

As the world leader in serving science, we support the urgent calls for action from scientists globally to address climate change. We have committed to becoming net-zero by 2050 and have joined the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign led by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aligning our goals with the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Markets Initiative Health Systems Task Force joint supplier standards. This commitment expands on our targets for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, which are aligned with a 1.5°C trajectory. Our near- and long-term net-zero targets have been approved by the SBTi. Our net-zero strategy is centered around transitioning away from fossil fuels and high-impact refrigerants, accelerating the adoption of renewable electricity, and engaging with our suppliers to amplify collective progress. Specifically, we aim for:

  • 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 from a 2018 base year, 
  • 80% renewable electricity globally by 2030, 
  • and, net-zero Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 2050.
1 MWp/year rooftop solar installation at our Brno facility

Reducing the carbon footprint of electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer manufacturing

In 2019, we set a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, aiming for a significant reduction by 2030. Despite expanding globally, we made substantial progress and increased our reduction target for 2030. This aligns with the 1.5°C pathway recommended by the Paris Agreement and the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign.

 

In 2023, we announced a goal to achieve a high percentage of renewable electricity by 2030, with our net-zero targets approved by the SBTi. By the end of 2021, 22% of global electricity was generated from renewable sources, marking a 69% increase from the previous year. Since then, over 150 Thermo Fisher Scientific sites have achieved 100% reliance on renewable electricity. Our strategy includes adding renewable systems on-site and using long-term power purchasing agreements. By 2026, all our US and certain European electron microscope (EM and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS) manufacturing sites will be powered by wind and solar energy.

 

We are also conducting energy assessments at major manufacturing facilities to transition away from fossil fuels, identifying opportunities to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions. A net-zero building design playbook has been developed to guide new and existing facilities towards net-zero emissions.

Water

Water is vital to life, and we aim to understand the risks associated with our impact on water scarcity and quality. Our commitment is to assess water usage for current water-intensive manufacturing facilities in water-scarce areas by 2024. Our approach includes the following priorities:

  • Conducting annual water scarcity assessments to manage our evolving risks and impacts and adapting as needed when water stressors shift.
  • Ensuring that our wastewater discharges comply with applicable laws, regulations and internal standards, with an emphasis on active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
  • Continuing to monitor our operational water use and the evolution of water frameworks and working groups, such as the Science Based Targets Network, to inform future target setting.

 

Waste

Our waste management approach leverages our PPI Business System, which fosters a continuous improvement mindset. We strive to achieve 30 certified zero-waste manufacturing and warehouse sites by 2025.

 

Our zero-waste program is informed by global industry standards including TRUE Certification and considers the waste hierarchy outlined by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the GHG emission potential of different disposal methods. This program initially focuses on reducing the use of natural resources in our operations, followed by shifting away from high-emission disposal methods. In 2023, we increased our certified zero-waste sites from 14 to 20 across Thermo Fisher Scientific, achieving a 56% non-hazardous waste diversion rate.
 

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Thermo Fisher Scientific EHS Policy

We are committed to protecting health, safety and environment of our employees, customers, and the communities where we operate. We hold ourselves responsible for the commitments made in our corporate-wide Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Policy, and we also implement a variety of robust systems and programs to ensure we meet its intent and expectations. All employees and business leaders are responsible for ensuring we meet our EHS Policy expectations.

 

Some sites, where applicable, hold ISO 14001 certifications.

Sustainable manufacturing – site highlights

Eindhoven

Our Eindhoven office, ISO 14001 compliant since 2006, has significantly reduced its environmental footprint. Achievements include sourcing 100% renewable electricity since 2022, transitioning to a nearly fully electric fleet, and retrofitting lighting to LED.

Brno

Our Brno office, ISO 14001 compliant since 2006, has reduced its environmental footprint. The site sources 100% renewable electricity since 2024 and has a solar PV station producing nearly 1MW annually. Installed in 2020, it was among the largest in the Czech Republic and the largest in the region.

Hillsboro

Our Hillsboro office, ISO 14001 compliant since 2006, has reduced its environmental footprint. Achievements include sourcing 85% renewable electricity, 0.3 MW on-site solar PV power, and zero waste certification, defined as 90% waste diversion from landfill.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.