Emission

Since 2005, Novartis has reported its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission in accordance with the WRI/WBCSD Greenhouse Gas Protocol. In previous years, only Scope 1 CO₂ emission from stationary combustion installations and from processes were reported.

In accordance with the requirements of the GRI Guidelines for Sustainability Reporting, Novartis includes inventory and emission of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) in its reporting.

As additional relevant emission into air, Novartis reports halogenated and non-halogenated Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and the inorganic pollutants SO₂/NOx. VOCs come mainly from the use of chlorinated and non-halogenated solvents in some production processes. Inorganic pollutants arise primarily from the combustion of fuels for steam generation and heating.

With regard to emissions into water, Novartis reports total effluent load for the sum parameters COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) and TSS (Total Suspended Solids). Amounts reported are loads that finally reach the aquatic environment. They are determined from concentrations of effluent parameters multiplied by flow volumes of wastewater discharged from Novartis facilities after treatment. When discharged wastewater is treated off-site, for example in public wastewater treatment plants, the specific removal efficiency of such treatment is considered for the amounts reported.