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Bayer Climate Program makes great advances

Leverkusen – Bayer is reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development. “Our goal is to continue growing without placing an additional burden on the global climate,” said Bayer AG Management Board member Dr. Wolfgang Plischke at a news conference held in Berlin to present Bayer’s new Sustainable Development Report. He said great advances had already been made with the first projects of the Bayer Climate Program.

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Zero-emissions building: As part of its Climate Program, Bayer has launched various lighthouse projects – including the EcoCommercial Building. The picture shows a 3D animation of the building in New Delhi, for which ground was broken this spring.

Bayer intends to live up to its reputation as an inventor company in the field of climate protection as well, said Plischke. Current estimates suggest that absolute greenhouse gas emissions of the Bayer Group will remain at the present level through 2020 despite increasing production volumes, which means there will also be a reduction in specific CO₂ emissions per metric ton of product. This will be achieved partly by taking steps to make production processes more energy- efficient.

As part of its Climate Program, Bayer has launched a number of so-called lighthouse projects. One of these is the Bayer Climate Check, devised to analyze and reduce CO₂ emissions in industrial production. Bayer plans to assess all its production facilities around the world by the end of 2009 using this new measurement tool, which also includes raw materials, logistics and energy consumption in its CO₂ emissions analysis. A CO₂ reduction potential of roughly 10 percent has already been identified in a pilot phase in Germany involving five plants. Other companies, too, have shown interest in the Bayer Climate Check system. The production units are currently investigating and deciding on ways to implement the system. The reductions will be ensured in the medium term through sustainability programs.

Informative: The new Sustainable Development Report details the Bayer Group's activities in this area.

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Informative: The new Sustainable Development Report details the Bayer Group’s activities in this area.

An important feature of the Bayer Climate Check is the “climate footprint” – a new performance indicator that serves as a basis for decisions on climate-relevant aspects of capital expenditure and technology projects and was recently certified by TÜV SÜD, one of the world’s leading certification organizations in the field of climate protection. The certification will help Bayer to market its innovative control tool for energy-efficient and climate-friendly production outside of the Bayer Group as well.

A lighthouse project arousing great interest in the construction industry is Bayer’s EcoCommercial Building under construction in India. This building, scheduled for completion by the end of 2009, will require 70 percent less electricity than comparable structures. A key feature is the building’s insulation based on raw materials from Bayer. The building will meet its remaining energy needs itself through the emission-free generation of solar energy. Importantly, the concept can be adapted to conditions in different climate zones.

A major focus of the Climate Program is on the sustainable use of plant-based energy resources. For example, the Jatropha plant can be cultivated on barren land that is not suitable for growing food crops. While it is inedible, its seeds contain 30 percent oil, which can be used to produce biodiesel. Bayer is joining forces with farmers in a research collaboration to explore the possible use of crop protection products in the sustainable growing of Jatropha.

The new Sustainable Development Report outlines what Bayer has already accomplished in the areas of ecology, economy and social needs. Despite a global 5 percent increase in the Group’s production volume, Bayer kept CO₂ emissions in 2007 at about the same level as in the previous year. Specific CO₂ emissions per metric ton of product fell by 2.7 percent. Emissions into water held practically steady despite the increased production volume. Bayer has also achieved positive results in occupational and environmental safety. The number of industrial injuries resulting in absence from work declined, as did the number of reportable environmental incidents.

To ensure that its reporting on sustainability activities is complete, systematic and transparent, Bayer follows the internationally recognized guidelines of the “Global Reporting Initiative” (GRI). The GRI examined Bayer's new Sustainable Development Report, awarding it an “A+” rating, the highest attainable. Bayer has also had the report certified by the auditing firm of Ernst & Young.

Record participation in the International Children’s Painting Competition
This year’s topic for the painting competition that Bayer regularly organizes together with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was “What we can do about climate change.” More than 15,400 children from nearly 100 countries took part – a new record. The pictures will be on show at exhibitions around the world, including one at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Bayer will present the paintings at exhibitions to be held at its sites.