AstraZeneca Switzerland has completed its transition to an entirely electric vehicle fleet, making it one of the first countries within the company to achieve this milestone ahead of schedule.
This move reinforces AstraZeneca’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality, positioning it as a leader in sustainability within the healthcare sector.
The company sees the climate crisis as a health crisis and has set ambitious targets to cut emissions globally. By 2030, AstraZeneca aims to be CO₂-negative, removing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it emits.
EV transition supports AstraZeneca’s broader sustainability strategy
With over 10,000 electric vehicles worldwide, AstraZeneca leads the pharmaceutical industry in eMobility.
The shift to EVs is just one part of a comprehensive sustainability strategy that extends beyond transport, incorporating scientifically backed measures to cut carbon emissions across its entire supply chain.
In Switzerland, the entire field sales team now operates using EVs.
Recognising the challenges of this transition, AstraZeneca supported employees in installing home charging stations, which required adjustments to local company policies.
“We knew that switching to EVs would bring challenges, so we actively assisted employees with installing home charging infrastructure,” explains Ioana Crisan, CFO of AstraZeneca Switzerland.
Beyond mobility: A holistic approach to sustainability
AstraZeneca Switzerland integrates sustainability into all aspects of its operations, from reducing business travel emissions to implementing green meeting standards, minimising physical external meetings, and prioritising sustainable travel and hospitality options.
At its Baar headquarters, the company runs entirely on renewable energy, sourced from geothermal systems, hydropower, and solar panels.
Waste is minimised across all operations, digital communication is prioritised, and even electronic packaging inserts are being tested for certain medications. In its cafeteria, vegetarian meals dominate the menu, and meat-free catering is standard at company-organised events.
Cutting harmful emissions to improve public health
“Healthy people need a healthy planet,” says Lars Peters, Market Access Director and Sustainability Lead at AstraZeneca Switzerland. “By reducing harmful emissions, we not only combat climate change but also help lower cases of respiratory diseases and other environmental health issues.”
AstraZeneca continues to drive bold sustainability initiatives, reinforcing its role as a climate-conscious leader in the pharmaceutical sector. More details on its environmental commitments can be found on its official website.
