We aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to global climate protection not only by developing innovative products, but also by increasing energy efficiency in production, research and administration. For this purpose, we set ourselves an ambitious
goal in May 2009: By 2020, we aim to reduce our direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions throughout the entire Group, including the new Millipore sites, by 20% – measured on the basis of 2006 levels.
In 2010, greenhouse gas emissions totaled 574 kt CO2eq. This was 14% more than in the previous year (2009: 505 kt) due to an increase in production. The figure includes both energy-related emissions and process-related emissions. Our total energy requirement for 2010 was 1,474 GWh. It increased by almost 9% compared to the previous year (2009: 1,352 GWh) as a result of commissioning new plants and higher production volumes. At Merck, energy is primarily used in the production processes and for heating and cooling. Our primary sources of energy are natural gas and electricity. We purchase most of our required energy from external suppliers.
In addition, Merck also operates its own plants to generate electricity and/or steam, such as the gas turbine power plant in Darmstadt and the heating plant in Gernsheim. These two plants are subject to the CO2 emissions trading started throughout Europe in 2005. Merck was allocated 540,000 certificates for the second trading period from 2008 to 2012. From today’s perspective, these certificates are sufficient, which precludes the need to purchase more. Approximately 29% of total greenhouse gas emissions by the Merck Group in 2010 can be attributed to the Merck sites in Darmstadt and Gernsheim.
