Scope 1 Emissions
2022 Communication on Progress
Biogen Inc
Published date
July 27, 2022
No. of questions
62
CEO Statement
Signed
Governance
Policies and Responsibilities
1. Does the Board / highest governance body or most senior executive of the company:
2. Does the company have a publicly stated commitment regarding the following sustainability topics?
Optional commentAll of Biogen's policies, principles, and positions are publicly available on the Biogen website: https://www.biogen.com/en_us/principles-policies-positions.html. The Code of Business Conduct speaks to Biogen's anti-corruption commitment: https://www.biogen.com/en_us/code-of-business-conduct.html. Biogen's human rights and environmental policies are attached here.3. Does the company have in place a code of conduct regarding each of the following sustainability topics?
4. Has the company appointed an individual or group responsible for each of the following sustainability topics?
5. Does the company have a formal structure(s) (such as a cross-functional committee) to address each of the following sustainability topics?
Prevention
6. Does the company have a process or processes to assess risk?
6.1. During the assessment of risk, which business relationships are reviewed?
7. Does the company have a due diligence process through which it identifies, prevents, mitigates, and accounts for actual and potential negative impacts on sustainability topics?
7.1. During the due diligence process, which business relationships are reviewed?
Concerns and grievance mechanisms
8. Are there any processes through which members of the company’s workforce can raise concerns about the company’s conduct related to human rights, labour rights, environment, or anti-corruption?
8.1. Please provide additional detail regarding the process(es) the company has through which members of the company’s workforce can raise concerns about the company’s conduct.
9. Does the company provide or enable access to effective remedy to right holders / stakeholders where it has caused or contributed to the adverse impact?
Lessons
10. How does the company capture lessons regarding each of the following sustainability topics?
Executive Pay
11. Is executive pay linked to performance on one or more of the following sustainability topics?
Board Composition
12. Percentage of individuals within the company’s Board / highest governance body by:
13. Do you produce sustainability reporting according to:
Data Assurance
14. Is the information disclosed in this questionnaire assured by a third-party?
Human Rights
Materiality / Saliency
1. Which of the following has the company identified as material human rights issues connected with its operations and/or value chain, whether based on their salience (i.e., the most severe potential negative impacts on people) or another basis?
Optional commentBelow is the text from Biogen's Human Rights Position Statement: Biogen respects fundamental human rights and believes that every individual deserves to be treated fairly and with dignity. We are committed to supporting internationally recognized fundamental human rights. In every country in which we operate, Biogen follows all laws, regulations, and international conventions related to human rights, including the International Labour Office Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Our human rights position is in accordance with the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the U.N. Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights. We recognize that governments have a responsibility to protect human rights via effective policies, regulations, and enforcement. We also believe that all businesses, including Biogen, have a similarly critical role to play in upholding human rights by establishing policies, actions, and safeguards to prevent any adverse human rights impacts, and to successfully address any adverse impacts that may occur in our direct business activities or indirectly within our value chain. Our Code of Business Conduct applies to our employees as well as business relationships within our value chain and other business partners such as with joint ventures. The Code of Business Conduct describes our human rights commitments and our expectations that all employees and business partners adhere to the requirements aligned with those commitments. Specifically, Biogen will not knowingly work with business partners that engage in human trafficking, or forced, compulsory, bonded or child labor. We believe that all people are born free and equal in terms of dignity and fundamental human rights. We will not tolerate physical abuse, harassment or discrimination, as outlined in Biogen’s Code of Business Conduct. We respect employees’ lawful right to exercise freedom of association, and we recognize the right of our employees to choose collective bargaining representation. We support and encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion within our workforce and the organizations with which we do business. The processes we have in place help ensure that we are as successful as possible in avoiding the occurrence of adverse human rights impacts through our own activities, and in addressing any adverse impacts that may arise. • Our expectations for employees, suppliers and business partners regarding human rights are embedded in our Code of Business Conduct, and assessment and management of any human rights issues across our value chain is accomplished within our supply chain internal risk assessment process and guidelines. Our comprehensive training program includes issue reporting hotlines and allows us to identify, address, resolve, and track any adverse human rights impacts linked to our operations, products or services, even where Biogen has not contributed to the impacts. Through this process, we seek to prevent or mitigate future adverse human rights impacts. Any questions or concerns related to potential or known human rights issues must be discussed with local Compliance, Legal or Human Resource partners. • We listen to the viewpoints of our stakeholders and use their feedback to improve our performance. Biogen reports on our human rights due diligence process, risks and performance in our annual Year in Review.Response
8. Briefly describe practical actions the company has taken during the reporting period and/or plans to take to implement the human rights principles, including any challenges faced and actions taken towards prevention and/or remediation.
Our emphasis on corporate responsibility includes human rights principles for Biogen employees and extends through our value chain. Biogen suppliers have long been expected to adhere to the principles and practices of ethical business, including our Code of Business Conduct, Human Rights Position Statement and Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement. Now, we are taking further steps to formalize and expand our expectations of our suppliers by developing a Responsible Supplier Program, which encompasses a range of ESG issues, notably diversity, equity and inclusion; human rights and fair labor practices; climate commitments; environmental impacts, monitoring and remediation; and transparency and disclosure. This effort includes creating a supplier code of conduct that will outline comprehensive criteria for our suppliers across the categories of Ethics, Human Rights and Labor, Health and Safety, and Environment and Management Systems; and expanding our supplier risk assessment by procuring a software that will enable us to simultaneously broaden and deepen our knowledge of our supplier impacts and operations across 21 criteria grouped into four themes: Environment, Labor and Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement. The criteria are based on international sustainability standards such as the Global Compact Principles, the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, the ISO 26000 standard and the CERES principles.Labour
Commitment
1. Does the company have a policy commitment in relation to the following labour rights principles?
1.1. For each labour rights policy, is it:
Prevention
2. In the course of the reporting period, has the company engaged with affected stakeholders or their legitimate representatives in relation to the following labour rights issues?
3. What type of action has the company taken in the reporting period with the aim of preventing/mitigating the risks/impacts associated with this labour rights issue?
4. Who receives training for the following labour rights issues?
5. How does the company assess progress in preventing/mitigating the risks/impacts associated with the following labour rights issues?
Performance
6. What is the percentage of employees covered under collective bargaining agreements?
7. What is the percentage of employees in a trade union or other workers' organization?
8. In the course of the reporting period, what was the percentage of women in:
9. What was the average ratio of the basic salary and remuneration of women to men (comparing jobs of equal value) during the reporting period?
10. In the course of the reporting period, how frequently were workers injured (injuries per hour worked)?
Optional commentThis represents Biogen's Total Recordable Injury Rate in 202111. In the course of the reporting period, what was the company’s incident rate?
Optional commentThis represents Biogen's Days-Away Case Rate in 2021Response and Reporting
12. In the course of the reporting period, has the company been involved in providing or enabling remedy where it has caused or contributed to the adverse impact associated with the following labour rights issues?
13. Briefly describe practical actions the company has taken during the reporting period and/or plans to take to implement the labour rights principles, including any challenges faced and actions taken towards prevention and/or remediation.
Our emphasis on corporate responsibility includes labor rights principles for Biogen employees and extends through our value chain. Biogen suppliers have long been expected to adhere to the principles and practices of ethical business, including our Code of Business Conduct, Human Rights Position Statement and Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement. Now, we are taking further steps to formalize and expand our expectations of our suppliers by developing a Responsible Supplier Program, which encompasses a range of ESG issues, notably diversity, equity and inclusion; human rights and fair labor practices; climate commitments; environmental impacts, monitoring and remediation; and transparency and disclosure. This effort includes creating a supplier code of conduct that will outline comprehensive criteria for our suppliers across the categories of Ethics, Human Rights and Labor, Health and Safety, and Environment and Management Systems; and expanding our supplier risk assessment by procuring a software that will enable us to simultaneously broaden and deepen our knowledge of our supplier impacts and operations across 21 criteria grouped into four themes: Environment, Labor and Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement. The criteria are based on international sustainability standards such as the Global Compact Principles, the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, the ISO 26000 standard and the CERES principles.Environment
Commitment
1. Does the company have a formal policy on the following environmental topics?
1.1. For each environmental policy, is it:
Prevention
2. In the course of the reporting period, has the company engaged with affected stakeholders or their legitimate representatives in relation to the following environmental issues?
3. What type of action has the company taken in the reporting period with the aim of preventing/mitigating the risks/impacts associated with these environmental topics?
4. How does the company assess progress in preventing/mitigating the risks/impacts associated with the following environmental topics?
4.1. For each environmental topic in which the company sets timebound goals / targets, what kind of targets has the company set?
4.2. For each environmental topic in which the company sets timebound goals / targets, how is progress against target / goal tracked?
5. In the course of the reporting period, has the company been involved in providing or enabling remedy for any actual impacts associated with the following environmental issue(s)?
Climate Action
6. What were the company’s gross global greenhouse gas emissions for the reporting period?
Scope 2 Emissions
Scope 3 Emissions
Optional commentFurther emissions reporting is available via Biogen's 2021 Year in Review: https://www.biogen.com/content/dam/corporate/en_us/YIR-2021/Biogen-YearInReview-2021.pdf7. What percentage of the company's revenue was invested in R&D of low-carbon products/services during this reporting period?
8. Has the organization acted to support climate change adaptation and resilience?
Energy / Resource Use
9. Please report the company's renewable energy consumption as a percentage of total energy consumption in the reporting period.
Technology
10. What percent of the company's revenue came from environmentally friendly products / services during this reporting period?
Sector-specific Questions
11. Which sector(s) does the company operate in? If diversified, choose top 3 by revenue.
Sector-specific: Water
12. Please provide details regarding the company's water withdrawal and consumption (own operations) during the reporting period.
Water withdrawal (volume of water in megaliters):
Water consumption (volume of water in megaliters):
Optional commentAll units of measurement are million cubic meters, per Biogen's ESG reporting metrics. Rainwater withdrawl is 0.001 - system would now allow for entry of this specific figure.13. Please provide details about the company’s water intensity of products in regions with high or extremely high water stress.
Sector-specific: Waste
18. Please report the company's total weight of waste generated in metric tonnes during the reporting period.
19. Please report the percentage of the company's waste that was hazardous waste (i.e., hazardous waste ratio) during the reporting period.
20. Please report the company's estimated metric tonnes of single-use plastic consumed wherever material along the value chain during the reporting period.
Overall Environment
21. Briefly describe practical actions the company has taken during the reporting period and/or plans to take to implement the environment principles, including any challenges faced and actions taken towards prevention and/or remediation.
In 2021, Biogen advanced efforts to go beyond net zero and eliminate all fossil fuels from operations, beginning with zero emissions by 2040 – the first Fortune 500 company to set that ambitious Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-approved goal. To further our commitment to 1.5°C climate science in 2022, Biogen has set a net zero target of 2045 across the entire value chain, guided by SBTi’s net zero corporate standard, and is currently seeking SBTi approval for this goal. With oversight from the Executive Team, corporate Board of Directors and functional leadership, as well as employee engagement at all levels, Biogen made good progress on Healthy Climate, Healthy Lives™ activities in 2021 including: – Transitioning to an all-electric vehicle (EV) fleet, with an EV program in 12 countries. – Performing comprehensive energy audits of our U.S. operations sites with a focus on phasing out scope 1 emissions by 2030. – Sustaining our 100% renewable electricity commitment. – Creating Sustainable Drug Development principles and integrating them into several critical stages of the development process. Completing a My Green Lab pilot program in 14 R&D and Product Technology Development labs to make our science even more sustainable. – Continuing work to phase out plastic in secondary packaging, as well as completing a life cycle assessment of several products. – Collaborating with key suppliers and industry peers to amplify the impacts of Healthy Climate, Healthy Lives and work to decarbonize the pharmaceutical sector. – Engaging 14.7% of employees in climate-related benefits and programs at work, at home and in our communities. – Collaborating with global leaders, advancing the science of climate and health and working to influence climate policy to improve health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations. Key efforts are underway with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, MIT, the World Economic Forum and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, among others. Biogen also is sustaining our focus on water, waste and other environmental priorities, and is honored to be recognized for environmental leadership including: – Climate Leadership Conference’s Climate Leadership Award for Biogen CEO Michel Vounatsos. – 2021 winner of U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Best Sustainability Program. – Top Sustainability Advocate Award in Asia for Biogen Japan Biogen is taking action to eliminate our use of fossil fuels, beginning with zero emissions by 2040. From 2019 to 2021, we achieved a 6% decrease in our direct GHG emissions from sources that are controlled and/or owned by Biogen. In that same timeframe, we decreased our emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) by 45% and nitrogen oxides (NOX) by 22%, while ensuring there were no significant increases in emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or PM2.5 air pollution, which can have harmful health impacts. Our renewable electricity strategy includes onsite generation, reducing demand through efficiencies, direct purchase of green power and virtual power purchasing agreements (VPPAs). This marks a shift toward more impactful purchasing, actively exploring direct purchasing and options for VPPAs that can help expand the market for renewable energy. Where necessary, Biogen also purchases unbundled renewable energy credits (RECs).In 2021, Biogen sustained our 100% renewable electricity commitment. Our 2021 progress includes: – Sourcing directly from a hydropower plant for our site in Solothurn, Switzerland, which we began last year. – Continuing to source hydropower directly from the Harriman Hydro Plant in Readsboro, Vermont to power our corporate headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts. – Beginning the VPPA process in 2021, with the intention to execute in 2022. Developing sustainable products and packaging Last year, we made progress in developing Principles for Sustainable Drug Development, addressing Biogen’s multi-franchise portfolio with circular economy principles. Currently, we are working to build on a successful 2021 pilot of My Green Lab in which the 14 labs were awarded Green Lab Certification: four received Green (highest level), four Platinum and six Gold. This year, we expect approximately 65 lab groups to participate in total. We also are reviewing packaging solutions for our full product portfolio and conducting life cycle assessments (LCAs) to develop a roadmap toward more sustainable alternative materials for our legacy products. To advance these goals, we are developing collaborations with suppliers to increase the proportion of sustainable material in our packaging systems and the percentage of renewable energy to produce our packaging, from glass vials to cardboard. At the end of 2020, we developed a new concept of packaging design and material. The design was accepted in 2021 to support our Interferon packaging platform for autoinjector (Plegridy IM and Avonex Next Generation). The packaging system is based on the replacement of plastic material and bleached cardboard by a more sustainable molded fibers tray combined with a cardboard based on grass fibers and paper (variable percentage of recycled fibers), which provide better end-of-life options Expanding our electric vehicle fleet We are transitioning our entire vehicle fleet to electric by 2025, with a goal of 100% battery electric vehicles (BEVs). We began with a pilot across the U.S. and European affiliates with adequate BEV availability and charging infrastructure. The program includes home charger installation with each vehicle, significant expansion of office charging and accounts with leading public charging networks. To advance our fossil fuel free ambition, the program will match 100% of electricity consumed with renewable electricity. Currently, we are exploring a pilot program in Japan, and expect to expand in other markets as charging infrastructure and vehicle availability allow. We recognize that a broader policy framework is required to affect change at scale and are proud to be part of EV100, which seeks to make electric transport the new normal by 2030. Responsible supply chain and procurement We are building on our near-term supplier engagement goals with ongoing efforts to develop a robust responsible sourcing program, and we established a Steering Committee to advise on sustainable sourcing. We are developing a process for evaluating supplier ESG risk against our maturity model and plan to begin direct engagement with key suppliers to accelerate their transition to renewable energy, transparent ESG reporting and science-based targets. Advancing net zero supply chain goals Our supply chain accounts for more than 85% of Biogen’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and we have set net zero supplier targets, which are pending approval by the Science Based Targets initiative At COP26, Biogen was one of 10 global pharmaceutical and biotech companies to launch Energize, a new program to increase access to renewable energy for the sector’s supply chain. A program initiated by Schneider Electric and Carnstone, Energize includes AstraZeneca, GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Sanofi and Takeda, alongside Biogen. Together, we aim to work toward value chain decarbonization. Through Energize, pharmaceutical suppliers have the opportunity to learn more about the renewable energy market, receive guidance on power purchase agreements (PPAs) and access and contract for renewable energy.Anti-corruption
Commitment
1. Does the company have an anti-corruption compliance programme?
2. Does your company have policies and recommendations for employees on how to act in case of doubt and/or in situations that may represent a conflict of interest, e.g. with regard to gifts and hospitality, donations, sponsorship, or interactions with public officials?
Optional commentThis topic is covered in Biogen's comprehensive Code of Business Conduct, available here: https://www.biogen.com/en_us/code-of-business-conduct.htmlPrevention
3. Who receives training on anti-corruption and integrity?
3.1. How often is such training provided?
4. Does the company monitor its anti-corruption compliance programme?
Response and Reporting
5. Please report the company's total number and nature of incidents of corruption during the reporting year.
6. Within the reporting period, what measures has the company taken to address suspected incidents of corruption independently or in response to a dispute or investigation by a government regulator?
7. Does your company engage in Collective Action against corruption?
Optional commentCurrently, Biogen does not operate in areas of high concern on the Corruption Perception Index. However, this issue, including the potential for collective action, will remain a priority if and as the company enters new markets.8. Briefly describe practical actions the company has taken during the reporting period and/or plans to take to implement the anti-corruption principle, including any challenges faced and actions taken towards prevention and/or remediation.
Biogen takes anti-corruption seriously. At the enterprise level, we monitor and address compliance issues very closely. Globally, we have 20 full-time compliance officers to support our operations. These officers use advanced artificial intelligence and other technology tools to identify issues and address them fully and expeditiously. During the reporting period, 100% of Biogen employees were trained on Biogen’s anti-corruption and anti-bribery policy, and on Biogen’s Code of Conduct. Further, we comply with the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America’s (PhRMA) Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals. In 2021, Biogen did not sustain any monetary losses in 2021 as a result of legal proceedings associated with corruption, bribery or anti-competitive behaviors and in our employee survey, 83% agreed that “people at Biogen behave ethically,” ranking above industry benchmark.