Minimizing emissions
Emissions into air
We have worked to eliminate ozone depleting substances (ODS) used in fire extinguishers and refrigerant materials from our affiliates’ operations, and include the inventory and emission of ODS in our reporting, per Global Reporting Initiative standards.
As additional relevant emissions into air, we report halogenated and non-halogenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the inorganic pollutants sulphur dioxide/nitrogen oxide (SO2/NOx). VOCs primarily result from the use of chlorinated and non-halogenated solvents in chemical synthesis operations and cleaning processes. Whenever possible, we take mitigation measures to minimize losses to the atmosphere. Inorganic pollutants, including SOx, NOx and particulates, arise primarily from the combustion of fuels and waste incineration.
Emissions into water
Novartis reports total effluent load for chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen, phosphate and total suspended solids, i.e. amounts actually reaching the aquatic environment. They are determined from concentrations of effluent parameters multiplied by flow volumes of wastewater discharged from our facilities after treatment.
When discharged wastewater is treated off-site, in public wastewater treatment plants for example, the specific removal efficiency of such treatment is considered for the amounts reported.
Learn about our ODS emissions performance and target (1.3 MB, page 29)
Learn about our VOC emissions performance and target (1.3 MB, page 31)
Learn about our inorganic air pollutants emissions performance and target (1.3 MB, page 34)
Learn about our emissions into water performance and target (1.3 MB, page 37)
